Opening Ceremony lineup to include Alessia Cara, Sarah McLachlan, La Bottine Souriante, The Tenors and more
TORONTO — June 15, 2017 – The Invictus Games Toronto 2017 Organizing Committee announced today the launch of ticket sales for the fast-approaching multi-sport event. The Invictus Games, presented by Jaguar Land Rover, will be hosted in venues across Toronto from September 23 to 30, 2017. Tickets can be purchased online at invictusgames2017.com/tickets.
“The Invictus Games are far more than a seven-day sporting event; they’re a means of rehabilitative therapy for the participating wounded, ill and injured service members and veterans, and their families” said Michael Burns, CEO of Invictus Games Toronto 2017. “The Games also allow the Canadian public to meet them and show their support for our military. We’ll get to watch some incredible sports competition, and see just what these fierce competitors can do.”
With all sport tickets priced at just $25, and Opening Ceremony tickets starting at $60, the Games will be accessible to those wishing to witness the incredible human spirit of our wounded warriors.
The Invictus Games Toronto 2017 Organizing Committee also announced today the lineup for the Opening Ceremony on September 23. Musical performances by international stars Alessia Cara, Sarah McLachlan and The Tenors will kick off this historic event. French Canadian folk band La Bottine Souriante will also perform, as well as international sensation Laura Wright, who will be joined on stage by the Canadian Military Wives Choir. The ceremony will also feature hundreds of performers, dignitaries and other special guests coming together to pay tribute to the brave competitors of the Invictus Games.
“Hosting the Invictus Games 2017 in Toronto gives Canadians a unique opportunity to commemorate and honour our ill, wounded and injured soldiers, and their families,” said the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage. “It’s fitting that this wonderful event is being held here as we celebrate Canada 150 and its emphasis on our country’s diversity and inclusion. Let’s all come together and show our support for these inspiring and amazing athletes!”
Sergeant (retired) Steve Daniel, a member of Team Canada for both the 2016 and 2017 Invictus Games, acknowledges the impact of the event: “The Invictus Games in Toronto will have the power to change the lives of all 550 competitors, and the lives of their friends and families who
have been invited to be a part of this healing experience. All of us have said goodbye to the lives we once had before becoming ill, wounded or injured. Many of us have yet to greet our new potentials…until now.”
“Competing on home soil will give our country’s servicemen and women a chance to showcase their determination and skill in front of family, friends and an enthusiastic crowd,” said Kathleen Wynne, Premier of Ontario. “By attending the Games, you can help inspire and encourage the Canadians who have defended us and our democratic values, and welcome courageous competitors from around the world.”
Wolfgang Hoffmann, President, Jaguar Land Rover Canada underscores the significance of the company’s support for the Games: “With this partnership, Jaguar Land Rover demonstrates a commitment to service members and veterans from all participating nations. We strongly believe that there is a close alignment between our company’s values and the passionate, unstoppable, determination of veterans. Our goal, in partnership with the Invictus Games, is to continue to inspire and encourage injured and wounded military personnel.”
For the online Ticket Guide, please visit invictusgames2017.com/tickets.
MULTIMEDIA:
Download videos of Opening Ceremony Talent Welcome and Invictus Games Sizzle Reel.
Photos of the event will be published on our Flickr page by 3 p.m. EST.
*Please note that expression of interest for media accreditation to the Invictus Games Toronto 2017 is now available online, for those who wish to access and cover the upcoming Games.
About the Invictus Games Toronto 2017
The Invictus Games use the power of adaptive sport to help wounded warriors on their journey to recovery. Established by Prince Harry, the inaugural Invictus Games took place in London in September 2014; the second, and equally successful, Games took place in Orlando in May 2016. The Invictus Games Toronto 2017 Organizing Committee is tasked with planning and executing a Games that will feature 550 competitors, from 17 nations participating in 12 adaptive sports, including, for the first time, golf. The Invictus Games Toronto 2017 will capture the imaginations of the Canadian public, corporations and governments, as well as soldiers, veterans and their families. The Invictus Games Toronto 2017 are funded by the Government of Canada, the Province of Ontario, the City of Toronto as well as Presenting Partner Jaguar Land Rover and other partners and sponsors.
Jaguar Land Rover and the Invictus Games
Jaguar Land Rover is immensely proud to have been the Presenting Partner of the Invictus Games since the inaugural event in London, 2014. Jaguar Land Rover is dedicated to building on their legacy of generating employment opportunities for former military service members into civilian careers and providing work placement rehabilitation programs. With their pledge to once again support the Invictus Games in Toronto this September, Jaguar Land Rover demonstrates a commitment to the service members from all participating nations and the continuing legacy of the Invictus Games.
Jaguar Land Rover is the UK’s largest automotive manufacturer, built around two iconic British car brands: Land Rover, the world’s leading manufacturer of premium all-wheel-drive vehicles; and Jaguar, one of the world’s premier luxury sports sedan and sports car marques.
The company employs over 40,000 people globally, with 330 in the U.S., 40 in Canada, and supports around 275,000 more through our dealerships, suppliers and local businesses. Manufacturing is centered in the UK, with additional plants in China, Brazil, India and Slovakia.
At Jaguar Land Rover we are driven by a desire to create class-leading products that deliver great customer experiences. The largest investor in R&D in the UK manufacturing sector, we have invested £12 billion (USD$15.7 billion) in the last five years and in the current year alone will spend over £3.5 billion (USD$4.5 billion) on new product creation and capital expenditure. Last year Jaguar Land Rover sold over 583,000 vehicles in 136 countries, with nearly 80 percent of our vehicles produced in the UK being sold abroad.
For more information:
Tiffany Fisher
Kwittken Canada
416-456-7650
tfisher@kwittken.ca
Stephanie D’Lima
Manager, Communications
Invictus Games Toronto 2017 Organizing Committee
media@invictusgames2017.com
416-364-0001 ext. 61
Quote Sheet
Mayor of Toronto, John Tory:
“Toronto looks forward to welcoming the Invictus Games competitors, families and spectators from around the world,” said Toronto Mayor John Tory. “I encourage all Torontonians to get involved in the spirit of the Games –attend a competition or ceremony, or simply be a great ambassador for the city and help visitors discover all that Toronto has to offer.”
Sarah McLachlan – Opening Ceremony Talent:
“I am honoured to be performing at the Opening Ceremonies that will kick start an incredible week in Toronto. I look forward to paying tribute to all the men and women gathered for the Games.”