The Games, an international Paralympic-style multi-sport event for wounded, injured or sick armed services was awarded to Orlando in Florida this July, with the second edition set to be held from May 8 to 12 at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in the Walt Disney World Resort next year.

In his role as the Invictus Games Foundation Patron Prince Harry met with wounded, injured and sick Servicemen and women undertaking recovery and rehabilitation programmes at Fort Belvoir military base, alongside Michelle Obama and Biden.

They toured the USO Warrior and Family Center, a state-of-the art facility specifically designed to support these men and women, their family members and caregivers, while they also aimed to highlight public awareness campaigns in the United States centred around supporting people with “invisible illnesses”.

“One thing we have to talk about more is breaking down these barriers around so-called invisible injuries, like post-traumatic stress,” said Prince Harry at the event.

“This fear of coming forward, as a result of the stigma which surrounds mental health, is one of the greatest challenges veterans face.

“We have to help them all to get the support they need, without fear of being judged or discriminated against, not only is it ok to talk about it, we have to talk about it.

“I hope that Invictus 2016 will remind people everywhere just how incredible our service personnel are, and how much of a positive contribution to society they make.”

Mickaela Richards and Rob Cromey-Hawke were part of the British Armed Forces team who competed at the 2014 Invictus Games last September, and were also in the party which toured the military base.

Cromey-Hawke claimed two gold medals in cycling at the Games, which also featured competitions in athletics, archery, indoor rowing, powerlifting, sitting volleyball, swimming, wheelchair basketball and wheelchair rugby.

The Briton was injured during a tour of Afghanistan in 2012 after the vehicle he was traveling in drove over an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), sustained a traumatic brain injury, back and spinal injuries and hearing loss.

“I can still remember taking part in the Invictus Games like it was yesterday, the crowds, the public cheering and the sense of camaraderie amongst the competitors was just unbelievable,” he said.

“I know the US is going to put on a fantastic event and I’m going to do all I can to be selected.

“Sport has played such a huge part in my recovery, the Games last year taught me that I don’t need to be defined by my injuries and that I can achieve as much as I did when I was in the military.

“In fact, it’s inspired me to do more and more with my life.”

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