Prince Harry sends his first tweet from the top of BT Tower to mark Invictus Games tickets going on sale

Prince Harry is sending a tweet, with the Invictus twitter page on a large screen in the background

15th May 2014

Prince Harry sends his first tweet from the top of BT Tower to mark Invictus Games tickets going on sale

Prince Harry today sent his first tweet from the top of the BT Tower to mark tickets going on sale for the Invictus Games, presented by Jaguar Land Rover. 40,000 tickets will be going on sale tomorrow, Friday 16th May at 9am from the Invictus Games website at www.invictusgames.org. The full competition schedule is also available on the website.

Following his tweet, which read “Hope everyone will get behind #invictusgames. Great opportunity to support and thank the men and women who have given so much. Harry”, Prince Harry met with Daniel Whittingham and Andy Phillips hoping to compete in the Games as part of the British Armed Forces team. He joined them whilst they took part in a Twitter Q&A session to answer questions from supporters about the international sporting event taking part this September in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

Daniel ‘Baz’ Whittingham from the Royal Logistics Corps was seriously injured in 2009 whilst serving in Afghanistan when the vehicle he was travelling in hit an improvised explosive device. His injuries included two shattered legs, and after 18 months of treatment he had an elected amputation on his left leg below the knee.

Daniel Whittingham said: “During rehab, sport plays a key part in every soldier’s recovery. Put them in a wheelchair, on a sitting volleyball court or in a pool and you will see a fire rekindled in their eyes. I’m really excited about potentially being a part of the Invictus Games and prove I am unconquered by my injury. And to do this alongside men and women that have all fought together, suffered together and are now competing together is a great honour.”

Also taking part in the Twitter Q&A was Andy Phillips, from the RAF. He suffered a spinal injury and on his return from the Gulf war in 1990, spent some time in RAF hospitals.

He explains: “I have over the last 3 years, mainly through sport, started to sort my life out. I find sport great for rehab as it's not about what you can't do but finding ways to do it. Also being around other guys from a military background makes a huge difference because of the camaraderie and sense of duty and humour.”

Invictus Games organisers today also announced that BT had come on board as an Official Supporter of the Games. BT is a big supporter of the UK Armed Forces, having hired over 1,600 ex-Armed Forces personnel in recent years as engineers into its Openreach division as it continues to roll out fibre broadband across the UK.

BT's infrastructure division, Openreach, has also recently launched a civilian work attachment programme, which helps to facilitate a smooth transition from the Forces into the civilian workplace.

Sir Keith Mills, Chairman of the Invictus Games said: “As a long-standing supporter of both the UK Armed Forces and disability sport, BT’s involvement will help us ensure the Invictus Games inspire millions of people around the world and leave a lasting legacy. I’d urge people not to miss out on tickets when they go on sale – this is a unique opportunity to support and thank those who have served their countries so bravely.”

Sir Michael Rake, Chairman, BT Group plc, said: “BT has been championing disability sport for 25 years. We are proud to support the Invictus Games, which will be a powerful expression of values we hold dear - inclusion and inspiration through sport.”

More than 400 competitors from 14 nations will compete in nine adaptive sports from 10-14 September in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. There will also be a driving challenge, organised by Presenting Partner Jaguar Land Rover.

The Invictus Games are being organised with the support and backing of The Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry and the Ministry of Defence. The Latin invictus means unconquered, a word that embodies the fighting spirit of wounded, injured and sick Service personnel. The Invictus Games will use the power of sport to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation and generate a wider understanding and respect of those who serve their country.

Tickets will cost £12.85 per person per session (including booking fee, postage and admin). More information on tickets and the full competition schedule are available at www.invictusgames.org.