More than 400 injured service personnel will be competing in athletics, archery, wheelchair basketball, road cycling, powerlifting, indoor rowing, wheelchair rugby, swimming and sitting volleyball when the sporting action gets underway on Thursday (September 10) and runs through until Sunday (September 14).

Teams from Afghanistan, Australia, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Georgia, Italy, The Netherlands, New Zealand and the United States have arrived in London and after receiving a guard of honour from members of the British team, all 13 captains met with Prince Harry at a special rooftop reception at the offices of Games supporters PricewaterhouseCoopers in central London.

Prince Harry has been instrumental in helping to launch the Games, which are based on the US Warrior Games, which he attended as a special guest last year in Colorado.

US team captain Sergeant Major Chris Self was one of those who met with the Royal today.

"Prince Harry has been the driving force behind this so it was awesome to meet him today," said Self, who will lead a 100-strong US team into competition.

"He wished us all the best of luck, so I hope he doesn't mind too much when we take plenty of medals back with us.

"There's a real buzz now; it's great to finally be here in this amazing city and to weigh-up the competition.

"We can't wait for the chance to take on the Brits and others on the global stage that hosted the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games."

Prince Harry met competitors from all 13 nations in London today as the build-up to the Invictus Games continues ©Getty Images



The Invictus Games aim to provide sick, injured and wounded service personnel the opportunity to compete in high-level competitive sport to help inspire recovery, support rehabilitation and generate a wider understanding and respect for those who serve their country.

In a special video message, Prince Harry welcomed all the competitors to the British capital and wished them good luck for the event.

"I'd like to extend the warmest welcome to all competitors taking part in the Invictus Games who have now arrived in London," said Prince Harry, who is set to be joined by the likes of Dame Kelly Holmes, Denise Lewis, Zara Phillips and Mike Tindall in a celebrity wheelchair rugby match during the Games at the Copper Box Arena.

"I know how hard you've been working over the last few months and the British public - indeed the world - can't wait to see you compete in just a few days time in our nation's capital city.

"To anyone else still thinking about buying tickets to the Games - don't hesitate.

"It's going to be an inspirational event and you won't want to miss out."

Tickets for the Invictus Games cost £12.85 ($22/€16) and can be purchased here.



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