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Prince Harry Launches Sporting Event, Invictus Games, for Injured Servicemen and Women

Prince Harry
Prince Harry officially launched the UK version Invictus Games in London on Thursday, March 6; the Paralympic-style sporting event was created for injured servicemen and women

Set in motion! Prince Harry has officially launched the Invictus Games in the UK. The Paralympic-style sporting event was created for injured servicemen and women, and the redheaded royal was on hand for the announcement at the Copper Box Arena in London on Thursday, March 6.

Related: PHOTOS: Prince Harry's hottest moments

“I have witnessed firsthand how the power of sport can positively impact the lives of wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women in their journey of recovery,” the 29-year-old said. “The Invictus Games will focus on what they can achieve post-injury and celebrate their fighting spirit through an inclusive sporting competition that recognizes the sacrifice they have made.”

He continued: “I am extremely proud to be bringing an event like this to the UK for the first time and believe it can have a long-lasting impact on the well-being of those who have served their nations so bravely.”

Related: PHOTOS: Prince Harry's craziest scandals

Prince William’s little brother was first inspired to launch the sporting event when he attended the US version, The Warrior Games, last May. “[It was] such a good idea by the Americans that it had to be stolen,” he said of the Olympic-style competition Thursday. “But I wanted to bring it to a broader international audience.”

prince harry
Prince Harry in London on March 6

The Invictus Games will begin in September, and will include sitting volleyball, track and field, shooting, and wheelchair basketball.

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“Harry is very much involved in all the planning and is very passionate about the Invictus Games,” a source tells Us Weekly of his ambitions. “His dream is for this to become a mainstream event, followed by people around the world. And hopefully it will raise lots of money too.”

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