A glimpse at Prince Harry's Invictus Games

WHY IS PRINCE HARRY COMING TO SYDNEY?

* To launch the countdown for his fourth Invictus Games in 2018

* He will cast his eye over preparations for the games that will kick off in October next year

WHAT ARE THE INVICTUS GAMES?

* An international Paralympic-style, multi-sporting event founded by Prince Harry

* Five hundred injured and sick servicemen and women from 17 countries will compete over eight days - from 20-27 October in 2018 - in a variety of sporting events

* Sydney follows fellow host cities London 2014 and Orlando in 2016 and most recent host Toronto in September 2017

WHY DID PRINCE HARRY LAUNCH THE EVENT?

* His inspiration for the games came from his decade-long service with the British Army, which included two tours of duty in Afghanistan.

* He vowed to launch the games after an inspiring visit to the US Warrior Games held in Colorado in 2013.

WHAT THE PRINCE HAS SAID ABOUT THE 2018 HOST:

* "We wanted to go somewhere where they are absolutely sports mad and would really get behind our competitors."

* "It was an easy decision really - the 2018 Invictus Games are coming to Sydney."