Prince Harry launches Invictus Games for injured soldiers

A new paralympic-style sporting event will see more than 300 wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women compete across a number of 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 concept of the Warrior Games is being brought to the UK by Prince Harry, who visited the games last year.

The Prince said: "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 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 have served their nations so bravely."

The vision for the Invictus Games is to harness the power of sport to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation and generate a wider understanding and respect of those who serve their country.

The event will be supported by the The Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. the mayor of London and the Ministry of Defence, with Jaguar Land Rover being named as main sponsor. It will feature a wide range of disciplines - including athletics, archery, wheelchair basketball and swimming.

The main venues for the competition will be the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and the Lee Valley Athletics Centre.

Sir Keith Mills, former chair of LOCOG, has been named as the chair of the Invictus Games' organising committee.

Sir Keith said: "Prince Harry, The Royal Foundation, the Ministry of Defence, the Mayor of London, the venues, Jaguar Land Rover and the BBC have all worked tirelessly to get us to the start line and I am thrilled that we are now able to announce the details of the Games today.

"The Invictus Games is going to be one of the major highlights of 2014 and a real inspiration to many around the world."