Britain's Prince Harry plays with Tanner Higgins Rinaldi, 2, while participating in the Achilles Hope and Possibility Race Sunday, June 27, 2010 in New York's Central Park. The Achilles Freedom Team of Wounded Veterans trains and sponsors recently wounded Iraq and Afghanistan veterans to participate in races nationwide. Tanner, who has a prosthetic arm participated as a member of 'From a Step Ahead'. (AP Photo/Stephen Chernin)
Today, June 27, Prince Harry took part in the five-mile Achilles Hope and Possibility Race through New York's Central Park. The organization, Achilles International, formed the Achilles Freedom Team of Wounded Veterans to help recently-wounded veterans from Afghanistan and Iraq take part on races across the United States.
Prince Harry has been on a three-day tour with a strong focus on finding ways for British and American veteran support organizations to work together.
Prince Harry talks to disabled toddler at Achilles Race
Before the race, two-year-old Tanner Higgins Rinaldi, who was born without his right hand, put out his prosthetic hand and touched fists with the prince. Prince Harry then spent a few minutes talking to the toddler and his mother, Debbie Higgins Rinaldi.
Prince Harry walked 1.7 miles of the course through Central Park. He was accompanied by security staff and a number of disabled veterans. At once point, Prince Harry helped to push U.S. Marine veteran, Corporal Todd Nicely, in his wheelchair. Corporal Nicely lost all four limbs in March when he stepped on an explosive device.
Five thousand participants in Achilles Hope and Possibility Race
Approximately 5,000 people took part in today's race. The temperatures soared to 90 degrees as the race made its way through New York's most famous park. Corporal Nicely was impressed by his and Prince Harry's shared experience as soldiers, and reportedly joked that they should go and get an ice cream.
Following the race, Prince Harry went on to catch some of the World Cup match between England and Germany which, despite the Prince's bravado at the Mets game yesterday, England lost 4-1. On Friday, the New York Mets invited the Achilles Freedom Team to Citi Stadium, where they watched Prince Harry pitch the ceremonial first ball.
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