JAGUAR LAND ROVER INVICTUS GAMES CLOSING CEREMONY

The Invictus Games presented by Jaguar Land Rover came to a spectacular close on Sunday 14th September. The star-studded finale kicked-off in the afternoon at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. The schedule included medallion presentations to all the inspirational participants from all nations and a closing speech from Prince Harry which ended in an embrace with Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl, who headlined the event. Other star guests included Kaiser Chiefs, Ellie Goulding, Ryan Adams, The Vamps, Rizzle Kicks, James Blunt, Diversity and Military Wives Choir.

Jaguar Land Rover congratulates the 413 inspirational Servicemen and women who have lit up the Invictus Games over the four days of competing. This international sporting event has been championed by Prince Harry and brought global recognition to the importance of sport during rehabilitation.

Jaguar Land Rover presented two special awards to Invictus competitors Joe Townsend and Maurice Manuel.

Townsend lifted The Jaguar Award for Exceptional Performance, having followed up his four gold medals at Wednesday's athletics with silver and bronze in hand cycling on Saturday. Townsend, who has previously cycled 3,000 miles across the USA, was presented with his award by Team Sky cyclist Ian Stannard and Olympic rower Katherine Grainger.

The veteran Royal Marine, who lost both legs above the knee after standing on an anti-tank mine in Afghanistan in 2008, said: "To be selected for this award from over 400 inspiring competitors is very special. The first ever Invictus Games have been an incredible event and this award caps a week I will remember for the rest of my life.

"Winning four gold medals on the first day of competition was incredible. Sport has played a huge role in my recovery and the Invictus Games will hopefully continue to provide a platform for people like me to achieve their goals”.

Denmark's Maurice Manuel was named the Land Rover Unconquerable Soul for going above and beyond, in his commitment to the Games. Captaining and coaching Denmark's wheelchair basketball team to bronze, he also won silver in the javelin, bronze in the Ambulant IT1 200m and bronze in wheelchair rugby. All these were achieved this week, whilst he cared for an un-well family member.

Army veteran Manuel served on six tours of Iraq and Afghanistan, before having his right leg amputated after being injured by an IED in 2010 while working as a combat translator. He described the Land Rover Unconquerable Soul Award, which was presented by Rugby World Cup winner Lawrence Dallagio, as "an honour beyond measure".

He said: "There are so many people I want to thank for this amazing experience, being part of the Invictus Games and for helping me accomplish my goals. Thank you to my family and to all the competitors for inspiring me and pushing me to exceed my own expectations."

Dr Ralf Speth, Chief Executive Officer of Jaguar Land Rover, said: "We are immensely proud to have played our part in these hugely successful Games and would like to congratulate every one of the 413 competitors who have provided such inspiration this week.

The Invictus Games has proved a great success sending a positive message about life beyond disability. Sport is a means to an end. In creating a moment of celebration of the journey of recovery, the event has also brought international attention to that journey. One of rebuilding self-confidence, of rebuilding ambitions, of rebuilding a career, of rebuilding a family and social life. www.invictusgames.org

See all the highlights and re-visit the magic from the closing ceremony here.

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