WASHINGTON, Feb. 5, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2016
Invictus Games is honored Welsh mezzo-soprano Katherine Jenkins
OBE, the world's most prolific classical crossover singer,
announced today that she will be an Ambassador for the 2016
Invictus Games taking place in the United
States.
"Supporting the men, women and families who serve our country
has always been an important part of my life, and I am extremely
honored to serve as an Ambassador for the 2016 Invictus Games,"
said Jenkins. "I look forward to celebrating and honoring the
sacrifices of veteran and active duty service members and their
families from around the world in May."
Jenkins was born in South Wales
and learned to sing as a chorister of St. David's Church choir. Her
love of music grew as she joined choral groups, performed with
Welsh Male Voice Choirs and participated in Eisteddfods and other
musical events. As a 23 year-old school teacher, she burst onto the
music scene when she performed at Westminster Cathedral in honor of
Pope John Paul's UU Silver Jubilee in 2003. Since then, she has
released 10 studio albums and currently in the studio recording her
11th.
Katherine today met with Invictus Games Powerlifting hopefuls at
Help for Heroes Recovery Centre, Tedworth House today. The UK
delegation to the Invictus Games 2016 is being delivered by a
partnership comprising of The Ministry of Defence (MOD), Help for
Heroes (H4H) and The Royal British Legion (TRBL).
Training for the UK team will take place across the country at
Help for Heroes Recovery Centres and other external venues as part
of the extensive Sports Recovery programme to train, select and
develop the team. The Royal British Legion will be supporting the
Friends and Family of the UK Team as part of its work to recognize
the vital and valuable contribution that family and friends make to
the recovery of wounded, injured or sick Service personnel and
veterans.
Known for her passion and commitment to the British Armed
Forces, Katherine Jenkins has been
hailed as the "Forces Sweetheart" for her work as a trustee of the
British Forces Foundation. In that role, she travelled to
Iraq, Afghanistan, Kosovo, Cyprus & Northern Ireland to entertain troops. As part
of her commitment to the Invictus Games Orlando 2016, presented by
Jaguar Land Rover, Jenkins will be supporting competitor training
events, and raising awareness for adaptive sports and the important
role they play for wounded, injured and ill service members.
The Invictus Games is the only international adaptive sporting
event for wounded, injured and ill active duty and veteran service
members and uses the power of sport to inspire recovery, support
rehabilitation and generate a wider understanding and respect of
all those who serve their country as well as their families and
caregivers.
"We are thrilled to have Katherine
Jenkins serve as a friend, advocate and ambassador of the
2016 Invictus Games," said Vicky
Gosling, co-CEO of the 2016 Invictus Games. "Her commitment
to those who serve is exceptional, and we're excited to stand side
by side as we welcome our wounded warriors and their families in
Orlando. We are looking forward to announcing more
Ambassadors as we approach the Invictus Games."
The 2016 Invictus Games, presented by Jaguar Land Rover, will
bring together more than 500 competitors from 15 nations to compete
in 10 sports – archery, cycling, indoor rowing, power lifting,
sitting volleyball, swimming, track and field, wheelchair
basketball, wheelchair rugby and wheelchair tennis.
The Games begin in less than 100 Days – May 8-12, at the ESPN Wide World of Sports
Complex at the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Fans can guarantee
their seats before tickets go on sale by visiting
http://invictusgames2016.org/tickets/ and filling out a brief
form.
Facebook: /InvictusOrlando
Twitter: @InvictusOrlando
Instagram:/InvictusOrlando
CONTACT:
Dan Ronayne
dronayne@invictusgames2016.org
(202) 288-1048
www.invictusgames2016.org
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SOURCE 2016 Invictus Games