The news from Ukraine on Wednesday that a member of the Invictus Games family had died will no doubt be devastating to Prince Harry. The games were established in 2014 to support and inspire injured service members, and they will be held again in April.
On Wednesday afternoon, the Invictus Games Foundation confirmed the tragic news on Twitter, linking to a press release on their website.
“With regret, we report that a member of the Ukrainian Invictus Games community has been confirmed as a fatality of the Russian invasion of Ukraine,” the tweet read. Serhii Karaivan, a “former trialist for the Invictus Games and Warrior Games for Team Ukraine,” was killed in the fighting in the former Soviet country, according to an online statement.
“With regret, the Invictus Games Foundation must report that a member of the Ukrainian Invictus Games community has been confirmed as a fatality of the Russian invasion of Ukraine,” it read.
“Serhii Karaivan, a former trialist for Team Ukraine at the Invictus Games and Warrior Games, died in a fight on March 13, 2022, and our hearts go out to his family, friends, and the wider community.”
“As the fighting continues, it was difficult to learn about Serhii’s death,” Oksana, the team manager for the Ukrainian Invictus Games team, told us. When we win, we’ll commemorate his life and discuss his wit, professionalism, patriotism, and sporting achievements.
“And we’ll hug, cry, and laugh because his memories bring us joy and happiness.” Please do not consider him a martyr; he would be offended. Consider him a well-known Invictus Games participant, hero, and defender of the Ukrainian people.’
“We know that many of the Invictus Games competitors, as well as the staff and team management, signed up to serve again, many of whom had already been injured in conflict with Russia since 2014,” says the statement. The Invictus Games Foundation offered assistance, but they chose to stay and serve as a team.”
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“The upcoming Invictus Games The Hague 2020 will be a powerful reminder of the importance of physical and mental trauma recovery and rehabilitation, as well as bringing the international Invictus community together,” the statement concluded.
“When the time comes, the Invictus Games Foundation will once again assist Team Ukraine with its rehabilitation and recovery through sport.”
Deepest condolences on the loss of your friend, Harry. It wasn’t quite clear about the circumstances surrounding his death but it said that he died in a fight? That’s awful. Regardless of the circumstances, my heart goes out to you and his family. I’m only a phone call, email, or text message away if you need someone to talk to….