PRINCE Harry has praised military stars as he faces calls to return an award honoring a war hero.
The Duke of Sussex, 39, will be honored with the Pat Tillman Award for Service for his work at Invictus Games at the glitzy ESPY Awards in Los Angeles on July 11.
1
Harry has been criticized by military veterans and even the mother of Pat Tillman – whom the award honors – who say he should not accept it.
The Duke today congratulated the athletes who will represent Team UK at the upcoming games, after 64 competitors were revealed in Milton Keynes.
The games will be held in Whistler, Canada next year and are the first to feature winter sports.
The team, made up of wounded, injured and ill staff and veterans, came together to celebrate their selection for the first Winter Games through a ski and snowboard session that today featured adaptive sit ski equipment.
Harry said: “Congratulations to those selected for the UK team at our first Winter Invictus Games in Vancouver Whistler next February.
“Team UK will join more than 500 competitors from 20 nations in this innovative event that expands the range and profile of adaptive winter sports.
“These games present an incredible opportunity for our courageous service members and veterans to demonstrate their skills in new challenges like downhill skiing, snowboarding and skeleton, while also providing a truly memorable experience for their families.
“We are thrilled to see their passion, determination and resilience on full display as they take on this new chapter.”
The Invictus Games last one week. More than 500 athletes compete in nine main sports – as well as additional activities and competitions, including esports.
Sporting events at the Games include wheelchair basketball, sitting volleyball, swimming, wheelchair rugby and indoor rowing.
In 2023, 21 countries, including Israel, Colombia and Nigeria, will take part in the tournament – which will also feature Rita Ora singing at the closing ceremony.
The first Invictus Games took place in March 2014 at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London.
Past Pat Tillman Award Honorees
The Buffalo Bills (2023) coaching staff after Bills safety Damar Hamlin went into cardiac arrest on the field.
Retired U.S. Army Command Sergeant Major Gretchen Evans (2022) who founded Team Unbroken, an adaptive running team comprised primarily of veterans.
Marcus Rashford, Manchester United star (2021).
Healthcare professional and boxing champion Kim Clavel (2020).
Kristie Ennis, former Marine and founder of the Kristie Ennis Foundation (2019).
Navy-Marine Commendation Medal recipient, Sergeant and founder of Team Rubicon Jake Wood (2018).
Israel Del Toro, Purple Heart winner and Invictus Games gold medalist (2017).
U.S. Army Sgt. and Invictus Games gold medalist Elizabeth Marks (2016).
Former Notre Dame basketball player, Iraq War veteran, and Purple Heart recipient Danielle Green (2015).
Josh Sweeney, US Paralympic gold medal sled hockey player and Purple Heart recipient (2014).
More to follow… For the latest news on this story keep coming back to The Sun Online
Thesun.co.uk is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping photos and unmissable videos.
Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thesun and follow us on our main Twitter account at @The sun.
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
