Invictus Flag Tour Marks 50 Days Until Games Begin

(Left to right) Lt Col Tim James, Ex RAF Reg and competitor David Atkin in his Invictus Games kit and AB Lianne Mayes fly the Invictus Games flag (Image: MoD).

Fifty days until the start of the 2018 Invictus Games in Sydney, Australia has been marked with a flag tour around London landmarks.

The Games, which were founded in 2014 by Prince Harry, will take place from October 20-27.

The 2018 edition will involve more than 500 competitors from 18 competing nations.

The UK team was officially unveiled in May.

Ten sports will feature in Sydney: archery, athletics, powerlifting, indoor rowing, road cycling, sailing, sitting volleyball, swimming, wheelchair basketball and wheelchair rugby.

David Atkin served as a Senior Aircraftman in the RAF until 2011. After sustaining an injury in Afghanistan, he says sport has improved his everyday life:

"Representing the UK at the Invictus Games really would be the pinnacle for me and would give me closure on what has been a very tough journey.

"I am fully committed to not letting my injury get the better of me anymore and will continue to use sport as an aid for that.”

Air Vice Marshal Garry Tunnicliffe, Head of the UK Team Delegation said: "The next 50 days will see the final preparations for our wounded, injured and sick personnel and veterans who make up the UK team.

"Having overcome a rigorous selection process and undergone a thorough training regime they will soon be ready to continue their recovery journey by representing Team UK with pride in Sydney.

"The Invictus Games continues to serve as a powerful reminder of the ability of sport to inspire and support recovery."

Fifty days ago, Kensington Palace released a promo video for the Games, featuring the poem that inspired the tournament's name, William Ernest Henley's 'Invictus', which champions strength during times of adversity.

Prince Harry and his wife will be in Australia to cheer on the Games competitors, marking a year since their first public appearance together at the Toronto event.. 

In last year's games, the Prince gave a speech during the opening ceremony. In his speech he said: 

"I knew it was my responsibility to use the great platform that I have to help the world understand and be inspired by the spirit of those who wear a uniform."

Earlier this month, former England football captain, David Beckham, announced he was going to be this years Inviticus Ambassador:

Sydney is the fourth city to host the Games.

It follows London in 2014, Orlando in 2016, and Toronto in 2017.

The 2020 Games will be taking place in Hague.

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