Prince Harry Starts Countdown to Jaguar-sponsored Invictus Games
The Duke will see new Defender and Jaguar’s prototype Mobility Door technology at launch event in the Netherlands.
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, will visit the Netherlands to begin the countdown to the Invictus Games The Hague 2020 presented by Jaguar Land Rover.
The Duke, Patron of the Invictus Games Foundation, will join potential competitors at a celebration event in Zuiderpark, exactly one year ahead of the fifth Invictus Games which take place in the city next May.
Jaguar Land Rover is once again Presenting Partner for the Games, which “use the power of sport to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation and generate a wider understanding of and respect for wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women,” according to a recent press release from Jaguar Land Rover.
The Duke will meet the organisers of the Invictus Games The Hague 2020 and potential competitors at the host venue. Next year’s competitors will be among the first people in the world to drive the new Land Rover Defender when they tackle the Jaguar Land Rover Driving Challenge for the opening medals of the Games.
Jaguar Land Rover has been Presenting Partner since the inaugural Games in London in 2014. The event has also been staged in Orlando, Toronto and Sydney, capturing hearts, challenging minds and changing lives in each city – with a global audience.
“Everyone at Jaguar Land Rover is hugely passionate about the Invictus Games,” said Dr. Ralf Speth, Jaguar Land Rover Chief Executive Officer. “We are delighted to continue as Presenting Partner for 2020.
“Having been to the U.S., Canada and Australia, we are excited to welcome this inspirational event back to Europe,” added Speth. “I am so proud the competitors will be among the first people in the world to drive the new Defender when they compete in the Jaguar Land Rover Driving Challenge in The Hague.â€
The Duke will view a Defender prototype wrapped in Invictus Games-themed camouflage during his visit to The Hague. The new Defender has its world premiere later this year.
‘I am so proud the competitors will be among the first people in the world to drive the new Defender when they compete in the Jaguar Land Rover Driving Challenge in The Hague.’
As well as viewing the new Defender with Dutch Invictus Games medal winner Jack Pastora, The Duke will experience Jaguar Land Rover’s prototype Mobility Door technology in a Range Rover Sport, assisted by Invictus Games London 2014 gold medallist and TV presenter J.J. Chalmers, a former Royal Marines soldier.
The Mobility Door is being developed to open and close the car door with power assistance. Once on board, occupants can close the doors with no need to reach out and pull them shut.
“We are honoured that the Invictus Games Foundation has chosen the Netherlands for the return of the Games to Europe in 2020,” said Marc Bienemann, Jaguar Land Rover Benelux Managing Director. “This global event uses the power of sport to change lives and everyone at Jaguar Land Rover Netherlands will work hard to support the competitors and organisers as we countdown to May 2020.â€
The Invictus Games The Hague 2020 will bring together 500 competitors from 19 nations to compete in a series of adaptive sports from May 9 to 16, 2020.