What are the Invictus Games?
The Invictus Games is an international multi-sport event launched in 2014 by the Duke of Sussex after taking inspiration from the 2013 Warrior Games.
The adaptive event is aimed at wounded, injured or sick Armed Forces personnel and veterans, and it takes its name from the Latin word 'Invictus', meaning 'unconquered' or 'undefeated'.
The Invictus Games 2023, the sixth tournament instalment of the games, will be held in Germany for the first time, with the German Armed Forces and the city of Düsseldorf saying they are "proud to jointly host this unique international sports event" from 9 - 16 September.
Under the motto "a home for respect", Düsseldorf, together with the German Armed Forces, will welcome around 500 competitors from 22 nations (two more than in The Hague last year), as well as around 1,000 family members and friends to compete in ten disciplines.
Where have the Invictus Games been held so far?
The first Invictus Games took place in 2014 at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London, followed by the second event at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida in 2016.
The third games were held just over a year later, in September 2017, in Toronto, Canada, and was the setting for Prince Harry and his then-girlfriend Meghan's first public appearance together as a couple.
In 2018, Sydney, Australia, hosted the competition.
The fifth games were due to be held in The Hague in the Netherlands in 2020 but were postponed to May 2021, finally going ahead in April 2022.
Which nations participate?
In 2014 the games began with 13 countries participating, and Düsseldorf is set to welcome 21 nations.
Israel, Colombia and Nigeria will join the Invictus Games for the first time this year.
The complete list of competing countries at this year's games:
- Australia
- Belgium
- Canada
- Columbia
- Denmark
- Estonia
- France
- Georgia
- Germany
- Israel
- Italy
- Jordan
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Nigeria
- Poland
- Romania
- South Korea
- Ukraine
- United Kingdom
- United States
What sports can participants compete in?
Veterans and wounded, injured or sick serving personnel can take part in 10 events at the Invictus Games.
The sports are:
- Archery
- Athletics
- Cycling
- Indoor Rowing
- Powerlifting
- Sitting volleyball
- Swimming
- Table Tennis*
- Wheelchair basketball
- Wheelchair rugby
*Adaptive table tennis is making its debut at the 2023 Invictus Games.
Invictus Games official site said: "In Germany, and especially in Düsseldorf, table tennis is one of the core sports. It is a truly inclusive sport that can be played by athletes with and without impairments."
Who is eligible to be part of Team UK at the Invictus Games?
The Invictus Games eligibility criteria laid out by the Invictus Games Foundation says that the games is "an international sporting event for wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women, both serving and veterans".
It continues: "It is the responsibility of each participating nation to select their nation's competitors to take part in the games.
"The selection must be made from servicemen and servicewomen including veterans who have been wounded, injured, or fallen ill during, or as a consequence of service, and who have been deemed to benefit the most from participating in the games as part of their recovery."
Veterans
To apply, veterans need to complete the Veteran's Eligibility Form ahead of attending their first Invictus Games training camp.
They will need to attach documentation that can confirm both proof of service and their injury or condition, such as a medical discharge letter or a letter from a medical professional stating the condition or injury, and that was caused during or as a result of service.
Serving Personnel
To apply, serving personnel need to complete the Serving Eligibility Form ahead of attending their first Invictus Games training camp.
Table A of the form will need to be completed by the applicant. The document will then need to be passed on to those in their Chain of Command who are involved in the applicant's recovery pathway. They should complete the remainder of the form and include a verified unit stamp.
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