Invictus Games Medals Designed by Garrard Unveiled
Organisers of the Invictus Games and Garrard, the oldest jewellery house in the world, today unveiled the medals which will be handed out to every winner and runner-up during this September’s Invictus Games presented by Jaguar Land Rover.
Aside from the medals, all 400 competitors from 14 nations will receive an official garrard medallion to commemorate their participation in the sporting event for wounded warriors which will take place in queen elizabeth olympic park.
The medals are based on a concept from Harry Parker, who lost both his legs when he stepped on an IED in Afghanistan.
The medals and medallions were carefully designed and crafted by Garrard to represent the philosophy and vision behind the Invictus Games. An embossed pattern, reminiscent of stitching, 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 which states “I am the master of my fate” 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.
Sgt. Craig Gadd, who was injured in Afghanistan in 2010 whilst on tour as a Royal Engineer Search Advisor, lost his left leg when he stepped on an IED. Sport has been a huge help on his journey to recovery and he hopes to be selected for the British Armed Forces team.
Sgt. Craig Gadd explains: “Sport has made all the difference in my own journey of recovery. It’s not just the physical and psychological benefits but the social aspect too. We’re used to being part of a team and you can see that camaraderie reignited in the sporting arena. It drives us on to be the best we can be both on and off the field of play. Make no mistake, while it will be amazing just to be part of the Invictus Games, those on the team will be going all out to bring one of these medals home.”
Eric Deardorff, CEO of Garrard said: “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. 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.”
Sir Keith Mills, Chairman of the Invictus Games said: “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. 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.”
For nearly 300 years Garrard has designed and created jewellery, Royal regalia and silverware for Kings and Queens from around the world. The jewellery house is also credited with supplying the America’s Cup, the oldest international sporting trophy in history, the I.C.C. Cricket World Cup and the Premier League Trophy.
Make no mistake, while it will be amazing just to be part of the Invictus Games, those on the team will be going all out to bring one of these medals home
Sgt. Craig Gadd
Invictus is Latin for unconquered, a word that embodies the fighting spirit of wounded, injured and sick Servicemen and women and what they can achieve, post-injury. The Invictus Games are a unique chance for the public to celebrate this ‘invictus spirit’ through sporting achievement. Competitors, both serving and veteran, will compete in nine adaptive sports in venues made famous by the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. There will also be a competitive driving challenge organised by Presenting Partner Jaguar Land Rover.
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. Launched by Prince Harry earlier this year, the event will use the power of sport to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation and generate a wider understanding and respect of those who serve their country.
Tickets for the Invictus Games are on sale at www.invictusgames.org and cost £12.85 per person.
