Prince Harry has made his Netflix debut!
The Duke of Sussex appears in the Netflix documentary Rising Phoenix, which shines a light on the history of the Paralympic Games, and he talks passionately about a topic close to his heart.
As the founder of the Invictus Games – a sporting competition for injured and recovering veterans – Prince Harry hasn’t missed attending the annual event since its inception in 2014. He also usually delivers an address during the opening ceremonies.
In the documentary, Prince Harry discusses the impact of the Paralympic Games as well as the importance of keeping the sporting tournament alive.
“There isn’t anything else in the world that can bring you back from the darkest places than sport. Yes, lives have been changed on the track, but lives are also being changed in the stands,” he said in a previously released trailer for the film.
Rising Phoenix shines the light on athletes like Tatyana McFadden of the United States, a Para Athletics competitor, Cui Zhe, a powerlifter from China, and more, as they open up about their personal journeys.
“Those that are referred to as disabled are not being encouraged or accepted in society at large,” Prince Harry shared in the film, adding, “What [Paralympic Games founder Sir Ludwig Guttman] was doing back then is needed more now than it has ever been.”
Talking to PEOPLE, he also shared why Rising Phoenix is “a story that the world needs right now.”
“We are confronted by the true power of the human spirit and the sheer strength of mind to overcome and achieve what most would deem impossible,” Prince Harry told the outlet. “It proves that sport is much more than a physical skill, it is purpose and drive, community and comradery, ambition and self-worth.”
“These athletes are not only a credit to their countries and to their sport, they are also a true testament to human endeavour, and the epitome of resilience,” he added.
A spokesperson for the Duke Of Sussex has issued a statement for his appearance in the documentary, saying, “The Duke is proud to have been one of the people contributed to this film, which is a unique and powerful documentary that hopes to change the way people view disability — and tell the incredible story of the Paralympics.”
