Five things to know about the Invictus Games

SPORTS

Invictus Games in Toronto: Five things to know

The Canadian Press Published Monday, May 2, 2016 12:08PM EDT

Prince Harry delivers a speech to assembled guests as Canadian Invictus athletes look on during a ceremony to promote the 2017 Invictus Games on May 2, 2016. (Nathan Denette / THE CANADIAN PRESS)

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Toronto will host the third Invictus Games next year. Here are five things to know about the games, which will take place from Sept. 26 to 30.

HISTORY: The international sporting event for wounded, injured and sick service personnel was first held in 2014 in London. After attending the Warrior Games in Colorado in 2013, Prince Harry was inspired to bring the event to an international audience, believing the power of sport could help participants physically, psychologically and socially. The word Invictus means "unconquered."

EVENTS: The 2017 games will feature archery, indoor rowing, powerlifting, road cycling, sitting volleyball, swimming, track and field, wheelchair basketball and wheelchair rugby, as well as two new sports: golf and sledge hockey.

MARKING MILESTONES: The Toronto games will help commemorate Canada's 150th birthday as well as the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge and the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Dieppe.

RECORD NUMBERS: Toronto will host the largest Invictus Games to date with more than 600 military competitors from 16 countries.

TRASH TALK: The upcoming games in Orlando, Fla., have sparked some good-hearted ribbing between Prince Harry and the Obamas. Last week, the 31-year-old royal released a video featuring him and the Queen. As he's looking at an Invictus brochure with his grandmother, a video phone message from Michelle Obama arrives. It shows the U.S. first lady and the president accepting Harry's challenge, with a man in uniform behind them saying "Boom!" and pretending to drop the mic. The bemused Queen then says, "Oh really? Please."