Jeff Virgo will compete in the upcoming Invictus Games, in Orlando, Florida, May 8 to 12. Photo submitted

Hub Staff

Port Elgin’s Jeff Virgo will soon depart for Orlando, Florida, where he will compete in his second Invictus Games, taking place May 8 to 12. The Games will see over 500 athletes from 15 different countries come together to show their grit.

Invictus, the Latin word for unconquered, is also a 19th century poem by English author, William Ernest Henley through which the speaker proclaims strength in the face of adversity. The Invictus Games is an international Paralympic-style, multi-sporting event for wounded, injured or sick service members that will see Virgo, who suffered a spinal cord injury serving a Long Range Patrol, Private on an Armed Forces base in Alberta in 2004, compete in Sit-volleyball as well as Freestyle, Backstroke, Breaststroke, 50m and 100m swimming races.

The inaugural Invictus Games took place in London, England in 2014, and was established by His Royal Highness (HRH) Prince Harry, said Stephanie D’Lima, Invictus Games Manager of Communications & Engagement, Toronto 2017.

Photo: His Royal Highness Prince Harry established the Games following a visit to the US-based Warrior Games in 2013, and was inspired to invite soldiers and veterans from allied nations to compete on an international scale. Photo submitted

“The 2014 Invictus Games used the power of sport to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation and generate a wider understanding and respect for wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women,” D’Lima said April 18.

She added that Prince Harry established the Games following a 2013 visit to the US-based Warrior Games, a sporting competition for ill and injured American service members and veterans.

Prince Harry himself served ten years with the British Army and experienced first-hand the sacrifices people make for their country, and was inspired to invite all soldiers and veterans from allied nations to compete on an international scale.

“The Invictus Games in London 2014 demonstrated that the Games honour a worthy cause, and offer a unique opportunity to commemorate the men, women and families who have come face-to-face with the reality of sacrificing for their country,” D’Lima said.

For Virgo, competing in the Invictus Games and representing Canada was a great honour. “The overall experience I had in London [Invictus Games 2014] being able to meet HRH Prince Harry, and just talk to him like he was just one of the guys, and meeting the other athletes from the 13 countries that participated, and some that you served with, it built stronger friendships,” said Virgo April 20.
He added, “It’s always an honour, and brings me pride to wear the maple leaf and to represent your country on [an] international stage.”

In 2014 Virgo competed in Indoor Rowing - Spring and Endurance; and the Team Relay where they finished just shy of bronze. When he hit the water, Virgo achieved a personal best in his 50m Freestyle swim, and competed in Breaststroke and Backstroke.

Virgo is a personal trainer who works at Lakeshore Recreation, and has been using the facility for training multiple days throughout the week to prepare for the upcoming games.

His current focus is strength and flexibility training and he uses Yoga as part of his regimen. However, Virgo has been spending even more time in the pool. “I’m in the pool three to four times a week for an hour working on technique, stroke length and rate. I have had awesome coaching from two coaches out of North York Aquatic Club, Billy and Eddie, as well the staff at the Port Elgin pool who have been great,” said Virgo.

Last month HRH Prince Harry announced that the 2017 Invictus Games will be taking place in Toronto, next September. He will be coming to Toronto in May to promote the event. Jeff Virgo already has his eye on the 2017 games.

“Toronto will host the third Invictus Games in September of 2017, as well our nation celebrates its 150th Anniversary. So if I’m able to go, it would be pretty amazing to complete once again for Team Canada on home soil, close to friends and family,” Virgo said.

From the 2014 Invictus Games, Virgo achieved a personal best in his 50m Freestyle swim. In May, Virgo will compete in the Backstroke, Freestyle, Breaststroke, 50m and 100m swimming races as well as Sit-volleyball. Photo submitted

His Royal Highness Prince Harry will be traveling to Toronto in May to prepare for the 2017 Invictus Games, taking place in September. Photo submitted