What is the Invictus Games?

Australia is about to host an international sporting competition like no other. Servicemen and women from all over the world are traveling here to take part in the Invictus Games. But it's not about who wins or loses.

The Invictus Games involves 18 different countries, 12 different sports and more than 400 competitors. But these determined athletes share more than just a love of sport. They've all served in the armed forces. So how did this pretty unique sporting event come about? Well, it was actually created by someone you might've heard of - Prince Harry.

Prince Harry was actually a soldier. He served in the army for ten years, including time in Afghanistan. Since then, he's been a passionate advocate for his fellow servicemen and women. Many of whom return home from doing really difficult jobs with injuries and illnesses.

Harry decided to create something that would bring together wounded service-people from around the world, to help them recover and set new goals. He called it the Invictus Games because 'invictus' is the Latin word for 'unconquered' or 'undefeated', which symbolises the competitors' strength through tough times.

The first Invictus Games kicked off in London in 2014. Then America hosted, followed by Canada and now it's time for Australia to step up.

Just like the Olympic Games, Invictus winners get medals. The 72 members have some pretty incredible stories. Brigid Baker is a former army intelligence officer. She has post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, which is a mental health issue that often affects people who’ve been through seriously scary or difficult things. She’s now competing in athletics and power lifting.

BRIGID BAKER, INVICTUS COMPETITOR: It's given me goals. Something to work towards, but it's also put me in contact with a really fantastic group of people.

And there's Stewart Shermann who was an army combat medic. He also suffers from PTSD and leg injuries. Although he doesn't need a wheelchair, he's now found a passion for wheelchair tennis and also archery. And he's excited to show his kids some moves.

STEWART SHERMANN, INVICTUS COMPETITOR: These games this year are gonna be the biggest. Sarah and Callum will be coming, so it'll be good to show them what it was all for and that I can actually hit a tennis ball over the net.

So watch this space to see which of these incredible people end up on the podium. Although it's clear this sporting event is about so much more.
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