Britain’s Prince Harry in Sydney for Invictus Games launch

Britain's Prince Harry (C) rides on a Navy rib to watch sailing during the launch of the Invictus Games in Sydney on June 7, 2017 - AFP 

Sydney (Reuters): Britain’s Prince Harry launched the countdown to the 2018 Invictus Games on Wednesday in Sydney, marking 500 days until the event’s opening ceremony.

Harry, grandson of Queen Elizabeth and fifth in line to the throne, is a founding patron of the games established three years ago for wounded military personnel from allied nations.

“I know all of you here today would agree that sport can change, and in some cases, save lives. Invictus reminds us of the amazing contribution that servicemen and women and veterans make,” Prince Harry told an audience of politicians, patrons and athletes.

He said he expected Sydney to “make these games their own”.

Over 500 competitors from 17 countries will participate in the games which are due to take place from October 20-27, 2018.

Prince Harry also paid tribute to the two Australians who lost their lives in Saturday’s London Bridge and Borough Market attacks, whom he said were “an important and vibrant part of the fabric of life in London”.

“In these challenging times we can all benefit from positive and inspiring stories from which to draw strength,” he said.

Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull also acknowledged the victims of recent terrorist attacks in Manchester, London and Melbourne, labelling the Invictus Games “an opportunity to use the healing power of sport”.