More than 60 students at Bethnal Green Academy aged 14 to 16 were participating in a social media training day, as they prepare to report live from Queen Elizabeth Park and Lee Valley Athletics Centre on the international sporting event for wounded and injured service personnel from September 10 to 14.

The students will give live updates on sports including wheelchair rugby and sitting volleyball, along with the Closing Ceremony, through social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Prince Harry helped hand out certificates to those who completed the training which included practical advice on using social media, hints and tips on what makes a good post, how to make the most of imagery, and staying safe online.

The young Londoners were encouraged to put their new skills to use over the summer to spread the word among friends, family and the local community about the event that will see more than 400 wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women from 14 nations, compete in nine adaptive sports.

Prince Harry handed participants their certificates as they completed the social media training ahead of the inaugural Invictus Games in September ©AFP/Getty Images



One student from the Academy, Francis Biyak, described the event as a "unique opportunity", adding: "Prince Harry sent his first tweet to launch the tickets for the Invictus Games going on sale, so the opportunity to receive social media training from the same team of experts is a unique opportunity!

"I'm keen to learn as much as possible, and am looking forward to reporting from the Games.

"For me this is a chance to learn new skills as well as see some amazing people compete."

Today's training day was organised by the Invictus Games in partnership with Citizens UK, the national community organising charity.

It brought together students from Citizens UK member schools and colleges in London including Bethnal Green Academy, La Sainte Union RC School, Mulberry School for Girls, Sir George Monoux College and Raines Foundation School, along with Active Horizons.

"Citizens UK is thrilled to be working with the Invictus Games Organising Committee," said Neil Jameson, executive director and lead organiser of London Citizens.

"We are very grateful for the opportunities which this relationship will offer to the young people of East London.

"We hope that communities in East London will join our digital media champions by attending the Games and witnessing for themselves the inspiring action."

Sir Keith Mills, chairman of the Invictus Games, added: "The Invictus Games will be a truly inspirational event and we're delighted that we're able to give young Londoners the chance to be a part of this unique experience.

"Not only will this help ensure the Invictus Games provide a lasting learning opportunity for the community but the Digital Media Champions will have learnt skills they can use later on in their lives."

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