One year countdown to the 2017 Invictus Games in Toronto begins tonight

The one year countdown to the 2017 Invictus Games in Toronto begins tonight as the CN Tower will light up in yellow to commemorate the games. The 2017 Invictus Games will take place Sept. 24 to Sept. 30.

“One year from tomorrow, the Invictus Games arrive in Toronto. The Toronto organizers have promised the best Games yet, with more nations competing, more sporting events, and more inspiring moments than ever before. After the London and Orlando Games, the bar has been set high.  It’s going to take all Canadians to get behind the Games to take Invictus to the next level. See you next year, Toronto,” said Prince Harry, founder of the Invictus Games.

The Invictus Games are promised to be bigger than before with up to 600 competitors from 17 nations competing in 12 sports. Romania and Ukraine will be participating in the games for the first time.

Events will be held in nine venues across Toronto including he Toronto Pan Am Sports Centre and Ryerson University’s Mattamy Athletic Centre.

“The inclusion of two new nations and the introduction of an additional sport are just two of the many indicators of the interest and success sparked by the first two Invictus Games. Toronto will be welcoming Invictus Games competitors, friends and family from around the world who will demonstrate their unconquerable spirit and smash the stigma around physical and mental wounds,” stated Michael Burns, Chief Executive Officer of the Invictus Games Toronto 2017 Organizing Committee.

Team Canada will be led next year by co-captains Capt. Simon Mailloux and Master Cpl. (ret’d ) Natacha Dupuis.

“There is so much pride [knowing] that Canada is hosting the next Invictus Games,” says Captain Mailloux. “[…] I know the military community will close ranks in support of us, but I’m also confident that Canadians from coast to coast will want to come out to support this inspiring competition!”

On Oct. 1, the Invictus Games Toronto 2017 Organizing Committee, in partnership with the City of Toronto, will be celebrating the one year countdown to the games at Yonge-Dundas Square with a live mural experience by sports artist David Arrigo and a collaborative installation in which 10,000 members of the public will take part in building a 30 ft. x 30 ft. “I AM the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul” structure from individual building blocks.

“The City of Toronto is looking forward to welcoming the Invictus Games in 2017. These Games are creating opportunities for men and women who have sacrificed for their countries. Sport has the unique power to change lives. I encourage all Torontonians to visit the installation at Yonge-Dundas Square on October 1 and be part of what the Invictus Games are building,” commented Toronto Mayor John Tory.

The Canadian Armed Forces will showcase a leopard tank and a Light Armoured Vehicle in support of the Invictus Games 2017 during the kickoff event. Jaguar Land Rover will also be displaying their vehicles on the square.

Established in 2014 by Prince Harry, the Invictus Games are the world’s only international adaptive sporting event for wounded, ill and injured active duty and veteran service members.