The fifth Invictus Games, The Hague 2020, recently took place, running from the 19th to the 22nd of April, 2022. Postponed due to the pandemic, the Games were a successful event.
The Invictus Games is an event specifically founded to celebrate and enable wounded, injured and sick Service personnel and veterans to take part in inclusive and adapted sports. This year, as well as inspiring people on the racetrack, the Games also sought to inspire and celebrate through the arts.
Worked in collaboration with the Hands-Free Technology Lab at Microsoft, San Francisco, injured veterans such as Private Karl Hinett and Lance Corporal Emma Lum were able to play music again and participate in a recording of The Hague 2020 Invictus Games anthem, “Anthem for All”.
Matt Collis from the Invictus Games Foundation, notes how working with Microsoft challenged them to rethink how technology changes what is possible. Collis notes that “We’re excited to see the potentials for the future, and thanks to Karl, Emma, and the Invictus Games Choir for their involvement. The repurposed Invictus Anthem was a powerful inclusion in the Invictus Games The Hague 2020 Medal Ceremonies.”
To celebrate the “Anthem for All” achievement further and let us all peek behind the curtain at the process, the Invictus Games Foundation has published a docufilm on Microsoft’s YouTube channel.
Microsoft has a track record of leading the charge on adaptive and accessible technology. In this instance, the Lab was able to utilise the pre-existing Xbox Adaptive Controller, alongside more bespoke solutions, to enable the veterans to perform. These include devices to help with limited hand manoeuvrability and instruments triggered by eye movements.
Hector Minto, Assistive Technologist at Microsoft UK and disability inclusion activist, had this to say about the project: “Microsoft believes in empowering every person on the planet to do more and be more with the help of technology. Few things demonstrate that philosophy more than this project. It’s been an honour working with a like-minded partner like the Invictus Games Foundation to make this a reality.”
William Lobley is a Deputy Editor and reviewer for WhatsTheBest, specialising in technology, gaming and outdoors. He also writes for Empire Online.
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