What are the Invictus Games?

Five hundred wounded and ill veterans from 18 nations are descending on Sydney to compete at Prince Harry's Invictus Games.

Invictus Game Australian Representatives

Invictus Game Australian Representatives. Source: AAP

WHAT ARE THE INVICTUS GAMES?

* An international Paralympic-style, multi-sporting event for wounded and sick defence force veterans and actively serving men and women, founded by Prince Harry.

WHY DID PRINCE HARRY LAUNCH THE EVENT?

* His inspiration came in part from his decade-long service with the British Army, which included two tours of duty in Afghanistan.

* He set up the Invictus Games after visiting the US Warrior Games in Colorado in 2013, when he saw the positive impact sport was having on the recovery and rehabilitation of wounded servicemen and women.

WHERE HAVE THE INVICTUS GAMES BEEN HELD BEFORE?

* The first Invictus Games were held in London in 2014, with more than 400 competitors from 13 nations.

* The second games were hosted two years later by Orlando, Florida, where more than 500 competitors from 15 nations competed. Toronto hosted the 2017 Games, with 550 competitors from 17 nations.

WHAT WILL THE SYDNEY GAMES BE LIKE?

* More than 500 competitors from 18 nations will compete in 11 adaptive sports at venues across Sydney between October 20 and 27.

* The events are: Archery, athletics, indoor rowing, driving challenge, powerlifting, road cycling, sailing, sitting volleyball, swimming, wheelchair basketball and rugby

WHICH NATIONS WILL COMPETE?

* Afghanistan, Australia, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, France, Georgia, Germany, Iraq, Italy, Jordan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Romania, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States

HOW MANY AUSSIES WILL COMPETE?

* 72 service veterans and defence force personnel have been selected for competition, making the group Australia's largest ever team to compete at an Invictus Games.


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Source: AAP

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