HRH Prince Harry, founder and patron of Invictus Games

Prince Harry is bringing a new major sports event to the UK this year. Invictus Games will see more than 300 wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women compete across a number of paralympic-style sports in London later this year.

The first ever Invictus Games will take place from 10 to 14 September and will be fashioned after the US-based annual Warrior Games, which first took place in 2013. The vision for the Invictus Games is to harness the power of sport to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation and generate a wider respect for those who serve their country.

“I’ve witnessed first-hand how the power of sport can positively impact the lives of wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women in their journey of recovery,” the Prince said. 

“The Invictus Games will focus on what they can achieve post-injury and celebrate their fighting spirit through an inclusive sporting competition that recognises the sacrifice they have made. I’m extremely proud that we are bringing an event like this to the UK for the first time and believe it can have a long-lasting impact on the well-being of those who’ve served their nations so bravely.”

The Prince added that the Games would be an important part of the legacy of the 2012 Olympics, with the main venues being the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and the Lee Valley Athletics Centre.

“Invictus Games will offer the opportunity for the public to come and sit in these iconic Olympic and Paralympic venues," he said. "We want to try and get as many of these servicemen and women back into society.”

The event will feature a wide range of sporting disciplines – including athletics, archery, wheelchair basketball and swimming.

Details: www.invictusgames.org