Rock veteran Bruce Springsteen will be the star performer at the closing ceremony for the 2017 Invictus Games in Toronto next month, organizers announced Monday morning.
Springsteen said in a statement it was “an absolute honour” to be able to perform at the ceremony.
“At the Invictus Games, it’s not just about the hurdles that competitors experienced during competition, but about overcoming the obstacles that life has presented them,” he said.
“The Games are a remarkable opportunity for brothers and sisters in arms to join forces and demonstrate the true strength of their spirit. It is an absolute honour and privilege to perform for them at the Closing Ceremony as a send-off to a week of competition in Toronto.”
Other acts set to perform during the closing ceremony include Canadian musicians Bryan Adams, Bachman & Turner, and Coeur de pirate, along with pop star Kelly Clarkson.
During the opening ceremony on Sept. 23, Sarah McLachlan, Alessia Cara, and The Tenors are scheduled to perform.
The Invictus Games were established by Prince Harry in 2014 to create an international sporting event for ill, wounded, and injured active duty and veteran service members.
More than 550 athletes from 17 nations will compete at the games in Toronto, which run from Sept. 23 to Sept. 30. Sporting events include track and field, sitting volleyball and wheelchair basketball.
Bell Media is the exclusive Canadian broadcaster for the games.
CTV will broadcast the opening ceremony on Sept. 23, as well as the closing ceremony on Sept. 30, while TSN and RDS will air competition coverage throughout the week.
"The calibre of talent performing at Invictus Games Toronto 2017 demonstrates the unifying force of the cause and importance of honouring the resiliency and courage of our service men and women," said Bell Media President Randy Lennox in a statement.
"We are both humbled and proud to bring this truly inspiring event to Canadians from coast to coast to coast."
