The inaugural Invictus Games in September brought together 413 injured, wounded and sick service personnel from 13 nations to compete in nine sports in an effort to use the power of sport to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation and generate a wider understanding and respect of those who serve their country.

Launched by Prince Harry in March 2014, following a trip to the Warrior Games in the United States, the Invictus Games were organised with the support and backing of The Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and the Ministry of Defence; and held at London's Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in September.

Following the success of these inaugural Games, a request for proposal (RFP) has been issued to interested parties from the 13 nations that took part for the next two editions of the Games.

"The Invictus Games was about inspiring people to overcome their challenges and raising awareness of the issues facing wounded servicemen and women on an international scale," said Prince Harry, President of the Invictus Games Organising Committee.

"I believe we achieved that as the public support for the inaugural Invictus Games was nothing short of phenomenal, and the impact it had on the competitors was unforgettable.

"But for every competitor at the first Invictus Games, there are 10 others who would benefit from having the same opportunity.

"I always hoped September's Games would just be the beginning and I am delighted there is an appetite to build on the success of 2014 and broaden the concept in the future."

The Invictus Games were launched by Prince Harry following a trip to the Warrior Games in the United States ©Getty Images



In order to give future hosts enough time to plan and raise funds for the next Invictus Games, no events will take place in 2015.

All bids will initially be managed and overseen by a newly established Transition Committee led by Sir Keith Mills, the former chief executive of London 2012. 

The Transition Committee will hand over the process to a new organisation being established which will own the Invictus Games brand and will manage the process of selecting the hosts of future games and overseeing their delivery.

It is anticipated that this body will select and announce the hosts for 2016 and 2017 early next year.

"We always knew we had something special with these Games, but the success of the event really did exceed all our expectations," said Sir Keith.

"So following extensive consultation and reflection, we have decided to explore options for the future through a transition committee and a new ongoing selection and oversight body.

"We very much hope that games will be held in 2016 and again in 2017, and although we will have very stringent quality standards, we are confident that suitable hosts will be found for these games.

"A number of conversations are now underway."

The RFP sets out the desired requirements for a host to ensure that future games will meet high quality standards and a breadth of scope that will do justice to the aims of the Games.

This includes a mandatory minimum of 10 participating nations, 250 competitors, five sports, a strong families programme, appropriate broadcast and media coverage, and access to the Games for spectators and media.

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