England, July 19: Prince Harry‘s chief executive for his Invictus Games Foundation has stepped down after a decade in the role just a week after the duke was slammed for accepting a controversial military award in the US.
The Duke of Sussex said he was “immensely grateful” to his “friend” Dominic Reid for transforming the Paralympic-style sporting competition for wounded, injured and sick military personnel and veterans from an ambitious idea into a global movement.
Harry, who founded the Invictus Games in 2014, said in a statement: “I am immensely grateful to my friend, Dominic, whose dedication and leadership transformed the Invictus Games from an ambitious idea to an internationally recognised movement. His tireless efforts over the past decade have supported thousands of wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans through sports rehabilitation, helping to showcase their unparalleled strength and contribution to society.”
Mr Reid’s resignation comes a week after the prince was heavily criticised for accepting the prestigious Pat Tillman Award for Service at this year’s ESPYs – given by sports channel ESPN to individuals in the sporting world who have made significant contributions to the lives of others.
The former soldier described it a “privilege to work closely” with Harry and said of his resignation: “[It is] the time for someone new to take this vital movement forward into its second vigorous decade. Once a member of the Invictus family, you never leave. His [Prince Harry’s] concept, passion, and drive have been instrumental in our success, in particular by focusing attention on mental health in sports rehabilitation.”
