'Master of my fate': 7 things to see and do during the Invictus Games
These are just some of the big events planned in Toronto for the week of the Invictus Games
Starting Saturday, 550 competitors will take centre stage in Toronto for eight days during the Invictus Games. Yes, it's a sports event but the significance of the games goes far beyond athletics.
The Invictus Games are a Paralympic-style event, only all of the athletes are wounded, injured or sick soldiers or veterans from 17 countries. They'll be competing in 12 adaptive sports, including swimming, wheelchair basketball cycling and sitting volleyball.
Tickets for those events are available at the official Invictus Games website, and some events like archery cycling and wheelchair tennis are free to attend.
The city will also be hosting a plethora of non-sports related events.
Here's a list of things to do, away from the playing field:
Invictus Day in Stratford
The games won't officially kick off until the opening ceremonies on Saturday night, but if you're willing to drive a couple of hours out of the city Saturday morning, there's a special Invictus Day in Stratford.
Events will include a special Stratford Festival Forum session hosted by retired Leading Seaman Bruno Guevremont, who is also the ambassador of the games. In addition to that, the Stratford Perth Museum will have Invictus Games- related exhibitions and all veterans will be offered discounts on Stratford Festival tickets.
Opening ceremonies
The Air Canada Centre will host the official kickoff party for the games Saturday night. Athletes from all 17 countries will be there wearing their colours and waving their flags.
They'll be treated to performances by Alessia Cara, Sarah McLachlan, La Bottine Souriante, The Tenors and Laura Wright.
The two-hour live event will also feature performances from the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces.
Unconquered: Massed Military Band Spectacular
Roy Thomson Hall will host the top military bands from across Canada Sunday to honour the wounded warriors taking part in the games. This event is presented by the Royal Canadian Military Institute, and will feature a performance by the Canadian Military Wives Choir.
Invictus Games ROM Speaks
One of the speakers will be retired Lieutenant-Colonel David Quick who will share stories from his time as the commander of a Royal Canadian Regiment company in Afghanistan. Quick will also talk about life after the military and transitioning from a soldier to everyday life.
The Canadian Opera Company celebrates the Invictus Games
On Wednesday, the Canadian Opera Company will perform in the Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre between 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. as part of their Free Concert Series. The concert will commemorate the spirit of the competitors of the Invictus Games. Members of the COC will perform songs related to themes of war, loss and overcoming adversity.
Contact! Unload – Veterans performing stories of self
Contact! Unload is a play featuring six military veterans, working with actors and musicians. The play focuses on the struggles of transitioning from active service life to becoming a civilian again.
Performances will take place on the following dates and locations:
Sept. 26, 5 p.m. at Moss Park Armoury.
Sept. 27, 7 p.m. at Moss Park Armoury
Sept. 28, 7 p.m. at the Sheraton Centre
Sept. 28, 9 p.m. at the Sheraton Centre
Closing ceremonies
The Air Canada Centre will host the closing ceremonies, one last bash to celebrate the Invictus Games.
A list of big name performers will be taking part including Bruce Springsteen, Bryan Adams, Kelly Clarkson, Bachman & Turner and Coeur de Pirate.