Prince Harry has announced that the Invictus Games legacy will continue with the fourth event to be held in Sydney, Australia from 18 – 29 October 2018…
The Invictus Games Sydney 2018 will bring together over 500 competitors from 17 nations who will compete in 11 adaptive sports. Events will be held across Greater Sydney, including Sydney Olympic Park and on and around Sydney Harbour.
In the video message Prince Harry, Patron of the Invictus Games Foundation said: “The Invictus Games has shown us what can be achieved when wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women rediscover their fighting spirit through sport. In London and again 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 watched at home. We were ALL inspired. We have raised the bar higher with each successive games, and I know that Toronto are planning an incredible event when they host the Games in September. And I am happy to say the Invictus Games journey won’t end there.”
Prince Harry explained why the Sydney bid won the rights to the 2018 Invictus Games: “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. And finally, we wanted to go somewhere where they are absolutely sports mad and would really get behind our competitors. It was an easy decision really – the 2018 Invictus Games are coming to Sydney.”
The video , which was filmed at the Tourism Australia offices in Australia House, London, features Invictus Games Sydney 2018 Ambassador and Wallabies captain Stephen Moore as well as members of the Australian Defense Force members from all three services. The video also features a message from Kylie Minogue.
Curtis McGrath, 2014 and 2016 Invictus Games medallist said: “I’ve been lucky enough to compete in two Invictus Games – in London and in Orlando – and you can’t underestimate the difference these Games can make to someone’s life. Just having the chance to stand alongside fellow wounded, injured and sick Servicemen and women and once again represent your country is something I never take for granted. The Invictus Games have opened up so many opportunities for me and given me a new inspiration for life. I can’t wait for the Invictus Games to come to Sydney in 2018 and show the world what Australia and Australians are made of."
Lt Gen Leahy, chair of Invictus Games Sydney 2018 said: “The Invictus Games is far more than a sporting event. It is a movement which celebrates the military community and the spirit that defines their service. 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. Australians are well known for many great things, with their proud ANZAC spirit and respect for service to the nation being two of them. Sydney will be the perfect location.”
The Invictus Games Foundation, established to develop and pursue the event’s legacy, sets out desired requirements for future host cities to ensure the next Invictus Games meet stringent quality standards. This includes a mandatory minimum of 10 participating nations, 250 competitors and five sports; a strong families programme; appropriate venues and sport infrastructure; extensive broadcast and media coverage and access to the Games for spectators and media.
The announcement was made with just under a year to go to the Invictus Games Toronto 2017 which will welcome over 550 competitors from 17 nations from 23 – 30 September. Please visitwww.invictusgames2017.com for more information.
For more information on Invictus Games Sydney 2018, please visitwww.invictusgames2018.org