Pro Football Hall of Fame Awarded U.S. Invictus Send-Off in 2020

The Pro Football Hall of Fame, in partnership with the United States Veterans Chamber of Commerce (USVCC), has been unanimously selected as the training site and send-off for the 2020 U.S. Invictus Games Team. The Hall of Fame will host 65 athletes and more than 40 staff and coaches along with caregivers and family members for the week-long training session before a day of send-off events in late April through early May.

The USVCC, with help from their partners, have hosted the U.S. Invictus Team Send-Off for many years and is proud to be partnering in 2020 with the Hall of Fame to elevate and grow the experience of these war heroes.

"There is no better place to teach athletes competition, sportsmanship, and teamwork than the Pro Football Hall of Fame. We are proud to be working with Hall of Fame players, coaches, and staff to inspire the U.S. Invictus Team and their families transitioning back to civilian life," commented USVCC Chairman Paul “Buddy” Bucha.

The Invictus Games, the world's premiere military adaptive sporting event produced by Prince Harry, leverages the power of sport to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation and generate a wider understanding and respect for the servicemen and women. The U.S. Invictus Team is comprised of wounded, ill, and injured military athletes from all five branches of the U.S. Military.

The athletes from the five branches will unite in Canton to bond as one team representing the U.S. Military. The week of training will include practices and meetings at the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the Perry Career and Wellness Center. Then, athletes, coaches and staff will be celebrated during a spectacular send-off event in Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium before departing Canton for The Hague, Netherlands to compete against 17 Allied Nations in 12 athletic competitions during the 2020 Invictus Games.

“The Pro Football Hall of Fame is honored and humbled to host these incredible men and women and look forward to providing a world-class experience as they prepare to compete on the world stage,” stated Pro Football Hall of Fame President & CEO David Baker. “Furthermore, we will preserve their stories of perseverance, overcoming adversity, determination and commitment that inspire all of us to live a ‘Hall of Fame life’ of character.”

“We are honored to host the U.S. Invictus Team in our community and committed to ensuring our U.S. military athletes, coaches and staff are shown the highest level of hospitality and gratitude. We want to provide an experience they will never forget,” stated Visit Canton President Allyson Bussey.

Visit Canton, the Stark County Convention & Visitors' Bureau, supported the efforts to attract the Invictus Games to the Hall of Fame.