It was a busy Saturday in Toronto, as Nuit Blanche took over the streets, and the first Invictus Games in the city came to a close at the Air Canada Centre.
Over eight days, Toronto played host to the annual Games, which were established by Prince Harry in 2014. The Games attracted over 75,000 people who watched the various competitions, which were also covered by media outlets around the world. Toronto’s Games officially became most attended Invictus event to date.
“You have delivered the biggest Invictus Games yet, with the most incredible atmosphere, making our competitors feel like the stars they are,” said Prince Harry, during his closing remarks on Saturday.
Besides going public with his own girlfriend, Meghan Markle, the Games also hosted some other celebrity guests over the weekend.
Former US President Barack Obama was in Toronto for a speech on Friday, when he dropped by to watch some of the games with former Vice President Joe Biden and Prince Harry.
The Bidens caught up with Obama and Prince Harry before cheering on Team USA during wheelchair basketball in Toronto. The event was part of many other sports, which included wheelchair rugby, wheelchair tennis, and games that are adaptive for active and veteran service men and women who are wounded, injured, and sick.
Watch @BarackObama and @JoeBiden stop by the #InvictusGames to cheer on Team USA. pic.twitter.com/FSJzPhOKf7
— The Obama Foundation (@ObamaFoundation) October 2, 2017
According to the Ontario Government, the sports equipment used during the Games will be distributed to Indigenous Communities, ParaSport Ontario and other sport organizations. As well, the surplus medical supplies and equipment will be donated to Sunnybrook Veterans’ Hospital, veterans’ community housing, and the Canadian Armed Forces.
The third edition of the Invictus Games hosted more than 550 competitors from 17 nations competing in 12 adaptive sports during eight days of transformative competition. According to Invictus organizers, the event showcased “the very best of Toronto’s hospitality. Torontonians embraced the Games, purchasing every last ticket and showing up to loudly cheer on the competitors, as well engaging with the competitors and their families to hear their stories.”
“Congratulations to the Invictus Games for an event well done. I am proud that we helped deliver the biggest and best Invictus Games yet,” said Mayor John Tory in a statement. “Congratulations, once again, to all of the competitors. To the many family, friends and visitors — I hope you agree that Toronto is the greatest city in the world and that you will come back to visit us soon.”
Among the visitors this past weekend were Bruce Springsteen and Kelly Clarkson, who performed at the closing ceremonies.
Check out some of the highlights of this past week in Toronto.
The Bidens caught up with @BarackObama and Prince Harry before cheering on Team USA today at @InvictusToronto. pic.twitter.com/Z2tLHHgqE2
— Biden Foundation (@bidenfoundation) September 29, 2017
It is great to see so many people here supporting the #InvictusGames 🚴competitors – and Prince Harry had the chance to say hello to a few! pic.twitter.com/IU47e2nKaC
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) September 27, 2017
Toronto is looking incredible as @WeAreInvictus prepare to host a reception at the @TourCNTower pic.twitter.com/KeaXJHxYK4
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) September 26, 2017
Prince Harry tells PM @JustinTrudeau “There’s a real buzz around Toronto” as they meet ahead of tonight’s @InvictusToronto Opening Ceremony. pic.twitter.com/mL5G5DyVtd
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) September 23, 2017
Prince Harry meets @FLOTUS the First Lady of the United States, who is leading the USA team delegation to the Invictus Games. pic.twitter.com/PSiWPMHmRa
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) September 23, 2017
Prince Harry made a surprise visit to Toronto #WEDay this morning! pic.twitter.com/voy15oZbXg
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) September 28, 2017
.@springsteen @kelly_clarkson & @bryanadams put on an incredible show for the competitors, friends & families who inspired us all this week pic.twitter.com/hFdzz0eL7m
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) October 1, 2017
If you haven’t seen this clip of a toddler snacking on Prince Harry’s popcorn while watching volleyball at the Invictus Games – give it a watch. #IAm
(H/T Bored Panda) #InvictusGames pic.twitter.com/CajlUC5ilC
— Kent Hehr (@kenthehr) September 29, 2017
Thank you @BarackObama @JoeBiden and Jill Biden for stopping by wheelchair basketball preliminaries with Prince Harry! #InvictusGames pic.twitter.com/ox58XqF3su
— Invictus Games 2017 (@InvictusToronto) September 29, 2017
Thank you for sharing your support for the recovery of our #IG2017 competitors at wheelchair tennis today @meghanmarkle 😊🎾 #InvictusGames pic.twitter.com/j8rleUTTm6
— Invictus Games 2017 (@InvictusToronto) September 25, 2017