Specialist Brent Garlic, a U.S. Army veteran and Team U.S. athlete, taking a shot during wheelchair basketball practice. In preparation for the Invictus Games Düsseldorf 2023, athletes work with their coaches and train for their respective sports. In total, 59 competitors will represent the United States at the Invictus Games Düsseldorf 2023, from Sep 9-16. (Photo by Anthony Beauchamp)
U.S. Team Trains at Fort Belvoir for 2023 Invictus Games
Nearly 60 wounded warriors gathered on Fort Belvoir over the past week to train as part of a special team of athletes that will compete in the 2023 Invictus Games.
The Invictus Games, which began in 2014, is an international multi-sport event for wounded and recovering active-duty servicemembers and veterans. The games were founded by England’s Prince Harry as a way to inspire recovery and rehabilitation. This year’s games will be in Dusseldorf, Germany, from Sept. 9-17.
Invictus Team U.S., representing the Department of Defense, came together for a training camp at Fort Belvoir to prepare to compete alongside 20 other nations and hundreds of athletes.
The U.S. athletes spent their time at Fort Belvoir sharpening their skills in sports like wheelchair rugby, archery, swimming, sitting volleyball, cycling, track and field, wheelchair basketball, rowing and powerlifting.
A group of the athletes attended the Washington Nationals baseball game Sept. 1, where they were recognized and a Team U.S. athlete threw the first pitch.
The games and opening ceremony will be livestreamed by the BBC.
By InsideNoVa Staff