Toronto Tapped as Host of 2017 Invictus Games

More competitors, nations and sports than ever before are set to feature at the third edition of the Invictus Games in 2017, which were awarded to Toronto.

British Royal Prince Harry named the Canadian city in which last year's Pan and Parapan American Games took place as host in a special video released via YouTube today.

Toronto was selected by the Invictus Games Foundation, the body established to develop and pursue the event’s legacy which set-out desired requirements for future host cities to ensure the next Invictus Games meet stringent quality standards.

This includes a mandatory minimum of 10 participating nations, 250 competitors and five sports, as well as a strong families programme and appropriate venues and sporting infrastructure.

First held in 2014, the Invictus Games is a Paralympic-style multi-sport event for wounded, injured or sick armed services personnel and veterans.

"The last Invictus Games inspired tens of thousands of people and was enjoyed by millions of others around the world," Prince Harry, who founded the Games, said.

"I always hoped the Invictus story would continue after the London Games.

"And having seen so many new people benefit from their journey to Orlando this year, I definitely didn't want it to end here.

"So today, I am absolutely delighted to announce that the Invictus legacy will continue when Toronto host the third Invictus Games in September 2017."

Prince Harry highlighted the special significance of Canada hosting the event in 2017, a year coinciding with the 150th anniversary of the Confederation.

"I can't think of a better way to mark this milestone than by paying tribute to the soldiers and veterans who have served their country so bravely and to support them along their journey to recovery," he added.

The choice was made with a little over 50 days to go until the start of the 2016 edition in Orlando, due to begin at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex from May 8 to 12.

This follows the inaugural edition in London in 2014.

Toronto, which abandoned plans to bid for the 2024 Summer Olympics and Paralympics, could host ice sports at the Invictus Games for the first time.

"This country’s non-military citizens actively look for ways to express their gratitude to our military, and the Invictus Games will provide an ideal forum for what we know will be an unprecedented outpouring of support," said Invictus Games Toronto 2017 chief executive, Michael Burns.

Tickets for the Invictus Games Orlando 2016 are on sale now and can be purchased here.