ORLANDO, Fla. — After four days of facing off in the Invictus Games held at ESPN Wide World of Sports & Walt Disney World, 500 heroes are going home with medals.
Organizers honored all of the wounded warriors in a closing ceremony Thursday night.
Some of the wounded warriors were awarded gold medals, including 51 for the U.S., while others were given participation medallions, but there was no question that the real takeaway was what an inspiration all these athletes are.
Welcoming the US athletes at @InvictusOrlando @WeAreInvictus pic.twitter.com/8DmdMafBHA
— Vanessa Echols (@VEcholsWFTV) May 12, 2016
The closing ceremony marked s the end of four days of competition, which the athletes said serves as a reminder of how assisted sports can heal the wounded.%
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Competitors from 14 countries went head-to-head in 10 different sports, including wheelchair rugby, basketball, track and swimming.
The anthem for @InvictusOrlando @WeAreInvictus at the closing ceremony pic.twitter.com/YPsjdCwTxc
— Vanessa Echols (@VEcholsWFTV) May 13, 2016
One of the most memorable moments came out of the pool, when American Sgt. Elizabeth Marks returned a gold medal to Invictus Games creator Prince Harry, asking him instead to bring it to a British hospital where doctors saved her life in 2014.%
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Vice President Joe Biden and his wife, Dr. Jill Biden, attended the closing ceremonies.
Photos: Closing ceremony of the 2016 Invictus Games
Artists such as Rascal Flatts and Rachel Platten performed, while Prince Harry closed the games with a final message to athletes, in a final show of support to carry the wounded warriors into the 2017 games.
The Invictus Games will be held in Toronto next year.
Prince Harry awarding the medals for the Invictus athletes from the UK pic.twitter.com/pizI64fIL4
— Vanessa Echols (@VEcholsWFTV) May 12, 2016
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