Fisher House to Sponsor London Invictus Games & Fly US Military Families to London
Rockville, Maryland (PRWEB) September 04, 2014 -- Fisher House Foundation, which provides comfort homes for military and veterans’ families, is proud to announce not only its sponsorship of the Invictus Games presented by Jaguar Land Rover, but its support to the US team and their families.
When the Invictus Games kick off in London on Sept. 10, the world will be watching U.S. wounded warriors achieve new heights they never would have believed possible months or even years ago. One of the most important audiences cheering these men and women on will be their families.
Fisher House Foundation, the only American sponsor and the only charity sponsor of the Invictus Games, has provided flights for nearly 200 family members to attend the inaugural games to support their loved ones during their recovery.
“We are over the moon excited about the Invictus Games," said Heather Hopkins, wife of Army veteran Geoff Hopkins, who will be participating in cycling, wheelchair racing, wheelchair tennis, and wheelchair basketball. "When Geoff was injured, the biggest positive experience that pushed him through his tragedy was being introduced to adaptive sports. He would not be the same person without the sense of freedom and accomplishment he gets from participating in events like the Invictus Games. The support we are getting from Fisher House to attend the games with Geoff is the only possible way our five year old son and I would be able to share this incredible, inspiring event with my husband.”
Fisher House Foundation not only provided flights for loved ones, but also purchased the uniforms worn by the US team during the competition. Families were also provided with jackets, shirts and hats to cheer on their families.
“Family members play a crucial role in the recovery and transition of injured or ill service members,” said Ken Fisher, Chairman and CEO of Fisher House Foundation. “We recognize that at Fisher House Foundation and work to ensure families can be there to provide emotional support and stability during the tough times. We want to make sure they are there for the celebrations, too, and that is why the Foundation is flying family members of the US team to the Invictus Games. Not only is it great for the athletes, but it’s equally important for the families to share in the fun and excitement.”
The Invictus Games, which are championed by Prince Harry, take place in London from Sept. 10-14. Over four hundred wounded, injured, and ill servicemen and women will compete at world-class venues across the city. The sports include track and field, wheelchair basketball, sitting volleyball, swimming, road cycling, powerlifting, archery, indoor rowing, and wheelchair rugby. There will also be a driving challenge presented by Jaguar Land Rover.
About Fisher House
Fisher House Foundation is best known for a network of comfort homes where families can stay at no cost while a loved one is receiving treatment. These homes are located at major military and VA medical centers nationwide, close to the medical center or hospital it serves. Fisher Houses have up to 21 suites, with private bedrooms and baths. Families share a common kitchen, laundry facilities, a warm dining room and an inviting living room. Fisher House Foundation ensures that there is never a fee. Since inception, the program has saved military and Veteran families an estimated $200 million in out of pocket costs for lodging and transportation.
Fisher House Foundation also operates the Hero Miles Program, using donated frequent flyer miles to bring family members to the bedside of injured service members as well as the Hotels for Heroes program using donated hotel points to allow family members to stay at hotels near medical centers without charge. The Foundation also manages a grant program that supports other military charities and scholarship funds for military children, spouses and children of fallen and disabled Veterans.
Kerri Childress, Fisher House Foundation, +1 240-599-2463, [email protected]
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