Katherine Jenkins OBE Named 2016 Invictus Games Ambassador
Welsh Superstar, Mezzo Soprano singer honored to promote the second Invictus Games
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.
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CONTACT:
Dan Ronayne
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SOURCE 2016 Invictus Games
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