Prince Harry launches Invictus Games

Britain’s Prince Harry has launched an international sporting event for wounded, injured and sick service personnel.

The 29-year-old royal has announced Invictus Games, presented by Jaguar Land Rover, which will give competitors the chance to take part in a number of sports, including swimming, wheelchair basketball, archery and road cycling.

The prince, who served 77 days on the front line in the Afghanistan war, will bring the Games to the UK following an inspirational visit to USA Warrior Games last year.

More than 300 countries are expected to take part in eight adaptive sports in London’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and the Lee Valley Athletics Centre from September 10 to 14.

The competition is being financially backed by the Royal Foundation, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Mayor of London and commercial partners and will air on the BBC.

The event will also feature athletics, indoor rowing, wheelchair rugby, sitting volleyball and a special driving challenge.

Captain David Henson, who hopes to take part, said: ”Competitive sport has made all the difference to my personal recovery and rehabilitation.

”For a whole international community of injured ‘brothers in arms’ who flat out refuse to let themselves be beaten by their injuries, the Invictus Games in London will offer a memorable, inspiring and energising experience in their journey of recovery.”

Harry also trained to be a Apache Helicopter Pilot with the Army Air Corps but has now taken an army office job and recently supported the Walking With The Wounded charity by taking part in a 200-mile trek to the South Pole.

A ceremony will be held to mark the opening of the Games and a closing concert is also being planned, building on the legacy of the London 2012 Paralympic Games.