Prince Harry arrived in Sydney to officially launch the countdown to the fourth Invictus Games at a celebration at Admiralty House on Wednesday, 7 June 2017, to mark 500 days to go until the opening ceremony in Sydney 2018.

Australia’s Governor-General and Invictus Games Sydney 2018 Ambassador Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC (Ret’d) and Lady Cosgrove hosted Prince Harry, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian and the Chair of Invictus Games Sydney 2018, Lt-Gen Peter Leahy at the formal launch.

The Governor-General also welcomed members of the Australian Squad training for selection to compete at this year’s Invictus Games in Toronto, as well as their families.

Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove and Lady Cosgrove. Photo: Invictus Games Sydney 2018.

“The Invictus Games provides an important platform to recognise those who serve our country, both on active duty and veterans; and to be inspired by their spirit to have a go and rise above physical and mental challenges,” Sir Peter said.

Prince Harry Photo: Invictus Games Sydney 2018.

Prince Harry added, “Sydney will soon be the custodian of the Invictus spirit and the focus for hundreds of men and women using the Invictus Games to motivate their recovery from physical and mental injuries.

“I know that people across the country – from Perth to Sydney, from Darwin to Adelaide – will embrace the Invictus Games and show their support for competitors from their local towns and right across the country. I have no about that the Sydney public will make these games their own.

“The Invictus Games are coming to Australia – game on down under.”

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian. Photo: Invictus Games Sydney 2018.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian says the State is throwing its support behind the Games and the broader adaptive sports community.

“We are delighted that New South Wales will host the Invictus Games and I look forward to welcoming both national and international competitors, families, friends and fans to Sydney,” Ms Berejiklian said.

More than 500 competitors from 18 nations will compete in ten different adaptive sports in Sydney from 20-27 October 2018. The events will be held in Greater Sydney, including Sydney Olympic Park and on and around Sydney Harbour.

Team Invictus Australia training squad. Photo: Invictus Games Sydney 2018.

The Invictus Games is an international adaptive sporting event for wounded, injured and ill servicemen and women. The Games uses the power of sport to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation and generate a wider understanding and respect for those who service their country.

“Invictus” is Latin for unconquered and it embodies the fighting spirit of our service personnel.

The first Invictus Games were held in London in September 2014 and attracted more than 400 competitors from 13 nations.

This year’s Invictus Games will be held in Toronto, Canada, from 23 to 30 September 2017.

Visit http://www.invictusgames2018.org/ for more details.

Hashtags: #InvictusGames #IG2018 #invictusgames2018

See some of our photos of Prince Harry’s rather wet public walk at Campbell’s Cove on Instagram.

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