By Gary Anderson

The medals to be used for the Invictus Games next month have been unveiled today by jewellery house Garrards ©Invictus GamesThe medals to be handed out at next month's Invictus Games have been unveiled today and each one will feature a line from the poem which gave its name to the Games, Invictus by William Ernest Henley which states "I am the master of my fate".

The medals have been created by the oldest jewellery house in the world, Garrard, and have been based on a concept from Harry Parker, who lost both his legs when he stepped on an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan.

As well as medals for winners and runners-up, each of the 400 competitors from 14 nations expected to take part in the Games will be presented with medallions to commemorate their participation in the event, which takes place at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park from September 10 to 14.

Garrard claim the medals and medallions were carefully designed and crafted to represent the philosophy and vision behind the Invictus Games.

An embossed pattern has been chosen to represent the journey of recovery and rehabilitation of the wounded, injured and sick service personnel participating in the Games.

The quote from the William Ernest Henley poem Invictus is engraved on each medal and medallion, with a Braille translation on the back of the medallions.

Black enamel finishes the centre of each medallion and medal with the Invictus 'I AM' trademark.

"Sara Prentice and the Garrard in-house design team have done an amazing job in turning Harry Parker's concept into these intricately crafted medals," said Sir Keith Mills, chairman of the Invictus Games.

"They are befitting of a truly inspirational occasion that will celebrate the invictus spirit of these amazing men and women.

"It speaks volumes that the Invictus Games is now forever etched in Garrard's own rich heritage and sporting legacy."

The medals feature a line from the poem Invictus by William Ernest Henley ©Invictus GamesThe medals feature a line from the poem Invictus by William Ernest Henley ©Invictus Games



Established in London in 1735, Garrard has designed and created jewellery and silverware for a number of royal families around the world and has supplied medals and trophies for the America's Cup, English Premier League and the Cricket World Cup.

"Garrard has enjoyed a distinguished history for creating medals and trophies to commemorate important sporting tournaments around the world and is proud to employ this extensive expertise in developing the memorable and striking medallions and medals for the forthcoming Invictus Games," said Eric Deardoff, chief executive of Garrard.

"We are honoured to play a critical role in such a remarkable event in London to raise awareness of the recovery and rehabilitation of those who have served their country."

Championed by Prince Harry and supported by the Ministry of Defence and The Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, the Invictus Games aim to provide sick, injured and wounded service personnel the opportunity to compete in high-level competitive sport to help inspire recovery, support rehabilitation and generate a wider understanding and respect for those who serve their country.

Competitors are set to take part in nine adaptive sports - athletics, archery, wheelchair basketball, road cycling, powerlifting, indoor rowing, wheelchair rugby, swimming and sitting volleyball.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


Related Stories
July 2014: 
Prince Harry speaks of "real struggle" organising inaugural Invictus Games
July 2014: Prince Harry pays surprise visit to students training to report at inaugural Invictus Games
J
uly 2014: Tickets go on sale for Opening Ceremony of inaugural Invictus Games
June 2014: Members of Armed Forces to volunteer in key roles at inaugural Invictus Games
June 2014YESSS Electrical latest supporters of inaugural Invictus Games