The Australian city of Sydney has been chosen to host the next edition of the Invictus Games in October 2018.

Events will be held in the Sydney Olympic Park – which was built for the 2000 Olympic Games – and Sydney Harbour.

It is expected that 500 disabled ex-servicepeople from 17 nations will compete in 11 adaptive sports.

Prince Harry, the patron of the Invictus Games Foundation, said that Sydney’s “iconic” status and “proud military history” made it the ideal location.

London hosted the inaugural Games in 2014, with Orlando hosting the second edition earlier this year. The 2017 Games will be held in Toronto, Canada, before moving on to Sydney in two years time.

“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 added.

“In London and again in Orlando, we came away moved by the tales of courage that got each competitor through their rehabilitation to the start line of their chosen sport. Tens of thousands of people packed stadiums and millions more watches at home.”

After winning the bid, Sydney will have to commit to hosting at least 10 participating nations, 250 competitors and five sports. There also needs to be a “strong families programme”, appropriate venues and sporting infrastructure, and access to the Games for spectators and media.

Gen Leahy, chair of the Invictus Games Sydney 2018, said: “We will continue the legacy of these great Games by embracing the Invictus spirit and celebrating the Games not only in Sydney, but across the entire country.”