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Prince Harry Brings The Invictus Games To Sydney

"It was an easy decision."
Prince Harry hugs competitors and presents medals during the wheelchair basketball on the final day of the Invictus Games Orlando 2016
Getty Images for Invictus
Prince Harry hugs competitors and presents medals during the wheelchair basketball on the final day of the Invictus Games Orlando 2016

It is the only international sporting event for wounded, injured and ill service men and women. And it is coming to Australia.

Prince Harry has announced that the Invictus Games will coming to Sydney in 2018. Founded by the royal himself, the international event is an adaptive sporting competition helping inspire recovery, support rehabilitation and promote understanding for active duty and veteran service members.

We wanted to go somewhere where they are absolutely sports mad and would really get behind our competitors.Prince Harry

Prince Harry said it was an "easy decision" to bring the games to Sydney.

"We had three key criteria. First, it had to be an iconic city, somewhere known the world over. Second, it needed to be a city with a proud military heritage, which would welcome competitors from all over the world with open arms," he said.

"And finally, we wanted to go somewhere where they are absolutely sports mad and would really get behind our competitors."

Over 17 nations will compete in 11 different adaptive sports. Events being held across Greater Sydney, including Sydney Olympic Park and on and around Sydney Harbour.

Lieutenant General Peter Leahy AC, chair of the Invictus Games Sydney 2018, said it is an important "movement which celebrates the military community."

"The Invictus Games has shown us what can be achieved when wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women rediscover their fighting spirit through sport," he said.

"Their stories will inspire us all."

USA play the Netherlands at sitting volleyball during the Invictus Games Orlando 2016
Getty Images for Invictus
USA play the Netherlands at sitting volleyball during the Invictus Games Orlando 2016

The sporting event will coincide with the Centenary of the end of World War 1.

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