Prince Harry's Invictus Games is facing a backlash over key changes to one of its events.
The first Winter Invictus Games are scheduled to be held in Vancouver, Canada, from February 8th to 16th, and the biathlon competition, which combines cross-country skiing and rifle shooting, will use laser guns instead of rifles. It turns out.
The organization explained that a switch had been flipped. their X page“Compared to live ammunition or laser rifles, optical rifles are in a different league.They are safer, more reliable, and are easier to use for everyone from beginners to elite levels, such as the Paralympics and major international competitions, so they are widely used.'' “It has been done,” he said. competition. ”
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Prince Harry's first Winter Invictus Games biathlon competition has drawn criticism online for using a laser gun instead of a rifle. (Karwai Tan/Wire Image)
They go on to say, “And they can be used by a wide range of people with disabilities, including visually impaired competitors. Given that most of the competitors are beginners, they are As a legacy of competitions, future users will be able to experience the safety risks and environmental impacts associated with live ammunition. ”
Christopher Bride, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who served in Afghanistan and lost both legs below the knee to an IED injury, said he felt the change had an impact on the sport. field sports news, “There were some issues with the cold, [laser] The gun just isn't working. Also, the snow seemed to have hindered some of the goals. ”
Bride continued. “For example, I shot five perfect rounds, but only hit one target in one round. Then I checked the gun and it was a little snowy…I'm talking about lasers. [lens]. ”
Marine Corps veteran Christopher Bride said in an interview that the snow obstructed the laser rifle's target and lens. (Jeff Vinik/Invictus Games)
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in a statement to daily mail newspaper, In response to Bride's claim that snow would obscure targets and lenses, Invictus Games said: “We believe this will not be the case as there will be personnel on site to ensure the rifles are ready.”
On the Internet, many people voiced opposition to the switch to laser guns.
“It wasn't a problem from 2014 to 2024, but now it's a problem??” someone asked about X.
Online critics supported Bride's appeal, calling the decision to use a laser gun a “stupid woke idea.” (Chris Jackson/Getty Images for Invictus Games Foundation)
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In comments to Field Sports News' interview with Bride, people commented negatively on the change, calling it a “stupid woke idea” and “ridiculous liberal nonsense.”
The Invictus Games are not the first sporting event to eliminate rifles. The 2024 Paris Olympics pentathlon also used lasers instead of pistols.
Prince Harry founded the Invictus Games in 2014, a multi-sport event for injured and sick military personnel. The first Invictus Games were held in September 2014 at London's Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
Prince Harry founded Invictus Games in 2014. (Chris Jackson/Getty Images for Invictus Games Foundation)
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Ahead of the first Winter Games, Prince Harry traveled to Los Angeles to meet firefighters and rescue dogs from the Salinas Fire Department.
In a post shared on social media, the fire department said: “Salinas Fire Department facility dogs Cruz and Tuffy, along with their friends, have been actively assisting in the Los Angeles firefighting effort, providing much-needed support. “I am doing so,” he said. Firefighters and people in the affected areas also had the opportunity to meet Prince Harry, who is known for his advocacy on a variety of social issues, including charity work and disaster relief. ”
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They went on to say, “This encounter not only boosted their morale, but also emphasized the importance of community and cooperation in the face of such devastating challenges.”
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