Prince Harry on Friday thanked Dominic Reid for his “tireless service” after 10 years working for the Invictus Games.
The Duke of Sussex, 39, thanked the chief executive of the Invictus Games Foundation for his “dedication and leadership” after the charity’s boss announced he would step down after a decade in the role.
The prince said he was “immensely grateful” to his friend Reid for transforming the Paralympic-style sporting competition for wounded, injured and sick servicemen and veterans from an ambitious idea into a global movement.
Harry, who founded Invictus in 2014, praised their tireless efforts and spoke of the journey they shared together in an emotional statement.
He said: ‘I am immensely grateful to my friend, Dominic, whose dedication and leadership transformed the Invictus Games from an ambitious idea into an internationally recognised movement.
Prince Harry thanked Dominic Reid (left) for his “tireless service” after 10 years working for Invictus Games in a heartfelt statement on Friday
‘Their tireless efforts over the past decade have supported thousands of wounded, injured and ill service members and veterans through sports rehabilitation, helping to showcase their unparalleled strength and contribution to society.’
He added: ‘Thank you, Dominic, for a decade of tireless service to the Invictus Games Foundation.
‘It’s been an incredible journey and how lucky we are to work with such an amazing community of people.
“We pray we won’t need the Games for another 10 years, but thanks to you, the team and our future CEO, we will be ready.”
Announcing his decision, Mr Reid said it was “time for someone new to lead this vital movement into its vigorous second decade”.
He said the search for his successor would be important and he looked forward to passing on the baton and continuing to support the foundation, adding: “Once you’re a member of the Invictus family, you never leave.”
Harry, who stepped down as a working member of the royal family in 2020 to start a new life in the United States, briefly returned to the U.K. in May to mark the 10th anniversary of Invictus with a special service at St. Paul’s Cathedral.
Former soldier Mr Reid said: ‘I have delivered on the 10-year vision I set out, which includes introducing winter sport, something that is close to my heart as a former biathlete.
The Duke of Sussex, 39, thanked the chief executive of the Invictus Games Foundation for his “dedication and leadership” as the charity boss announced he would be stepping down after a decade in the role.
Invictus Games Foundation CEO Dominic Reid (left), Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex (centre), at the opening ceremony of the Invictus Games The Hague 2020
‘I remain the Master of Ceremonies for the Lord Mayor’s Show and look forward to the exciting new projects I am developing.’
Harry, who served on the front lines in Afghanistan, was inspired to create the global tournament after attending the Warrior Games in Colorado in 2013 and seeing how wounded U.S. military personnel thrived on the challenge of participating in competitive sports that aided their recovery.
The Duke hosted the inaugural Games at London’s Olympic Park in 2014 and the tournament has since been held around the world in Orlando, Toronto, Sydney, The Hague and Dusseldorf, with the first hybrid Winter Games due to be held in Vancouver and Whistler in 2025.
Preparations are already underway to announce the host city for the 2027 Games, with Birmingham and Washington DC vying for the final shortlist.
Reid described it as a “privilege to work closely” with Harry, saying: “His vision, passion and drive have been instrumental in our success, particularly in bringing a focus on mental health in sports rehabilitation.”
This comes after Harry and Reid celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games in London in May.
Harry paid tribute to the Invictus Games family’s “commitment, enthusiasm and belief” and took part in an Invictus conference looking back over the past decade.
Harry arrived at the headquarters of the Honourable Artillery Company on the outskirts of London for the one-day summit, dubbed the Invictus Games Foundation Conversation, ahead of tomorrow’s service.
This comes after Harry and Reid celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games in London in May.
Harry at Armoury House in London today for an Invictus Games panel with Louise Minchin
Harry at Armoury House in London today for an Invictus Games panel with Louise Minchin
Prince Harry speaks today with a member of the Company of Pikemen and Musketeers at the Honourable Artillery Company in London
Speaking at the summit foreword, Harry said: “It has been an honour to watch the Invictus Games Foundation grow over the years; what began as a vision to honour the courage and resilience of wounded, injured and sick military personnel and veterans has blossomed into an international organisation built on hope, strength and unity.”
Harry was inspired to found the global tournament after attending the Warrior Games in Colorado in 2013 and seeing how injured U.S. military personnel thrived on the challenge of participating in competitive sports that aided their recovery.
It subsequently hosted the inaugural Games at London’s Olympic Park in 2014, followed by Orlando in 2016, Toronto in 2017 and Sydney in 2018.
Organizers said that after 2020, Invictus would be held every two years, but the Hague Games planned for that year were delayed by the pandemic until 2022, followed by Dusseldorf 2023, while Vancouver Whistler is planned for 2025.
The Duke wrote: ‘As we look ahead to the first ever hybrid Winter Games in Vancouver Whistler 2025 next year, we look forward to celebrating the Invictus Spirit once again, exemplified in every competitor, staff member, friend and family member – their commitment, enthusiasm and belief has been the driving force behind our continued success.’
He added: “Together, we have created a legacy that transcends sports; a community that embraces compassion, respect and an unwavering belief in the power of the human spirit. As we celebrate this milestone, let us recommit ourselves to the mission of Invictus.”