Daniel Craig, Joss Stone, Tom Hardy, Joanna Lumley, will.i.am and Rod Stewart are among a number of celebrities who appear in the short film which premiered today.

"Our Armed Forces community have made huge sacrifices in recent years," said Craig, who begins the recital with the line "Out of the night that covers me".

"Please give something back to those who give so much.

"Support this September's Invictus Games."

They, along with Stephen Fry, Bear Grylls, Bruce Forsyth and Example, star in the short movie that sees celebrities reciting "Invictus" by English poet William Ernest Henley, a poem that proclaims strength in the face of adversity.

The short film involved a whole host of celebrities and sports personalities including Sochi 2014 gold medallist Lizzie Yarnold ©Invictus Games



Sports personalities Ricky Hatton, Lizzy Yarnold, Louis Smith and Iwan Thomas, along with actor and comedian Omid Djalili, also read line from the famous 1875 poem in support of the Games due to launch in September of this year.

"When you hear about the journeys of recovery that these Servicemen and women have been on it's inspirational," said Hatton.

"People talk about grit and determination but here are people who flat out refuse to be beaten by their injuries.

"To see how sport has played a key role in that is great.

"That's why I'm backing the Invictus Games; I hope the UK public does the same and gives the competitors the support they deserve."



The event for "wounded warriors" is due to see more than 400 sick, injured and wounded service personnel from 14 different nations competing in nine adaptive sports from September 10 to 14 in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

One such service personnel is Mary Wilson, who was with the Royal Artillery when she was thrown from her horse in 2001.

After three operations as a result of her injuries, she was unable to pass her Weapons Handling test and was medically discharged.

In 2004 Wilson was also diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis.

"To have stars like these give us their support feels amazing," said Wilson, who hopes to compete in swimming.

"To know they and the UK public are getting behind us is a real boost, not only for those hoping to make the team for September but for others who are starting out on their road to recovery."

Inspired by the success of the Warrior Games in the United States, 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.

Tickets will cost £12.85 ($21.50/€15.76) and can be found on the Games' website, here.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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