KABUL (SW): Afghanistan on Wednesday hosted the ceremony of Invictus Games flame lighting that is an international Paralympic-style multi-sport event in which wounded, injured or sick armed services personnel and their associated veterans take part.
President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani, top U.S. Commander in Afghanistan Gen. John Nicholson and a number of other dignitaries were present on this occasion at Arg (Presidential Palace). Disabled Afghan soldier Ahmad Shah Azimi light the flame to officially begin the torch’s journey to Canada where this year’s games would be played.
Ghani said on the occasion men from the armed services have paid with their lives and limbs to earn and secure freedom. He hailed their sacrifices and hoped participants from Afghanistan would compete at these games with high spirit.
Michal Burner, the organizer of the Invictus Games, said on the occasion the torch’s next stop would be Germany where a number of wounded soldiers are under treatment. He said men in uniform pay sacrifices for common people, and with these games, they are proving once again that they can still take on difficult challenges.
In May 2016, Prince Harry announced that Toronto, Ontario, will step up to host the next Invictus Games. The 2017 event will take place from September 23 to 30 and will see more than 550 ill, injured and wounded servicemen and women from 17 allied nations compete in 12 adaptive sports.
The Invictus Games will use the power of sport to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation and generate a wider understanding of and respect for those who serve their country, and their loved ones.
Some 600 Afghan men and women from the armed services are likely to participate in this event.
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