U.S. Hosts Invictus Games For First Time: 'How Many Women Get Kissed By Prince Harry?'
ORLANDO, Fla. (CBSNewYork)-- The first Invictus Games in the United States are in full swing in Orlando, Florida. The competition, created in London by Prince Harry, is an opportunity for wounded service members and veterans to show their strength.
Veteran Katie Kuiper survived a gunshot wound to the head in 2013. On Tuesday, the army sergeant won her second gold medal at the games as Prince Harry cheered from the stands, CBS News' Don Champion reported.
He established the Paralympic games to help soldiers recover from their physical and emotional wounds.
"It was a really fun road race," Gold Medalist Jennifer Schuble said.
Schuble won two gold medals in cycling on Monday. The army vet suffered a brain injury in 1999 during training. She said the camaraderie at these games is especially rewarding.
"Talking to other soldiers and talking about how we cope. Giving different strategies to each other... I never realized how much I would learn from this event," Shuble said.
This is the first time the Invictus Games are being held in the U.S. More than 500 competitors from 15 nations are taking part.
"These are special men and women to be with," Ken Fisher said.
Fisher is a senior partner at Fisher Brothers, a Manhattan real estate dynasty that led the work to host the games in Orlando.
"Sports restore confidence, self-esteem. It gives goals to men and women that really were being told what they'd never be able to do again," he said.
Schuble said there's a special "royal" bonus when you win the games.
"He's a prince. How many women get kissed on the podium by Prince Harry?!" she said.
The games run through Thursday. Toronto will host next year's games.