23 Nov 2019
WOUNDED, ILL OR INJURED MILITARY ATHLETES WILL TRAIN IN CANTON BEFORE DEPARTING FOR INVICTUS GAMES IN THE HAGUE, NETHERLANDS
CANTON, OHIO – The Pro Football Hall of Fame, in partnership with the United States Veterans Chamber of Commerce (USVCC), has been unanimously selected as the training site and send-off for the 2020 U.S. Invictus Games Team. The Hall of Fame will host 65 athletes and more than 40 staff and coaches along with caregivers and family members for the week-long training session before a day of send-off events in late April through early May.
The USVCC, with help from their partners, have hosted the U.S. Invictus Team Send-Off for many years and is proud to be partnering in 2020 with the Hall of Fame to elevate and grow the experience of these war heroes.
"There is no better place to teach athletes competition, sportsmanship, and teamwork than the Pro Football Hall of Fame. We are proud to be working with Hall of Fame players, coaches, and staff to inspire the U.S. Invictus Team and their families transitioning back to civilian life," commented USVCC Chairman Paul “Buddy” Bucha.
The Invictus Games, the world's premiere military adaptive sporting event produced by Prince Harry, leverages the power of sport to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation and generate a wider understanding and respect for the servicemen and women. The U.S. Invictus Team is comprised of wounded, ill, and injured military athletes from all five branches of the U.S. Military.
The athletes from the five branches will unite in Canton to bond as one team representing the U.S. Military. The week of training will include practices and meetings at the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the Perry Career and Wellness Center. Then, athletes, coaches and staff will be celebrated during a spectacular send-off event in Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium before departing Canton for The Hague, Netherlands to compete against 17 Allied Nations in 12 athletic competitions during the 2020 Invictus Games.
“The Pro Football Hall of Fame is honored and humbled to host these incredible men and women and look forward to providing a world-class experience as they prepare to compete on the world stage,” stated Pro Football Hall of Fame President & CEO David Baker. “Furthermore, we will preserve their stories of perseverance, overcoming adversity, determination and commitment that inspire all of us to live a 'Hall of Fame life' of character.”
“We are honored to host the U.S. Invictus Team in our community and committed to ensuring our U.S. military athletes, coaches and staff are shown the highest level of hospitality and gratitude. We want to provide an experience they will never forget,” stated Visit Canton President Allyson Bussey.
Visit Canton, the Stark County Convention & Visitors' Bureau, supported the efforts to attract the Invictus Games to the Hall of Fame.
ABOUT THE PRO FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME
Located in Canton, Ohio, the birthplace of the National Football League, the Pro Football Hall of Fame is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit institution with the Mission to Honor the Heroes of the Game, Preserve its History, Promote its Values, & Celebrate Excellence EVERYWHERE.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. AAM accreditation is national recognition for the museum's commitment to excellence and the highest professional standards of museum operation and public service.
Hundreds of thousands of fans from across the globe travel to Canton annually to experience “The Most Inspiring Place on Earth!” that chronicles America's most popular sport. Fans can also enjoy the Hall of Fame Store at the Hall, and online at www.profootballhof.com/store, for merchandise from all 32 NFL clubs plus the Hall of Fame. Proceeds from the Store support the Hall's Mission.
Construction on Johnson Controls Hall of Fame Village, a mixed-use development project, is under way in Canton to transform the Hall of Fame's campus.
