What Are the Invictus Games? Everything You Need to Know About Prince Harry's Passion Project

Prince Harry is in Orlando, Florida, this weekend, for the launch of the second annual Invictus Games, which run for five days beginning May 8.

In 2014, Harry launched the Invictus Games – a multi-sport event created specifically for wounded, injured, or sick armed services personnel.

The title comes from the Latin word Invictus, meaning unconquered or undefeated.

"These guys do not want sympathy," Harry told PEOPLE in this week's exclusive cover story. "They view it as an opportunity to put on a show for all those people who have supported them."



The Games are similar to the U.S. Warrior Games, which was created in 2010 by the United States Department of Defense. Harry says he was inspired to create his own event after seeing a British team compete in the Warrior Games in 2013.

The first Invictus Games took place at London's Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in 2014 – after just 10 months of planning. 300 competitors from over 13 countries took place, including U.S. military members.

More than 500 competitors from 15 countries will compete in the 2016 Games across 10 sporting events, such as wheelchair basketball, swimming and indoor rowing.

Joining Harry at the opening ceremony from Walt Disney World's ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex will be First Lady Michelle Obama Michelle Obama, with President Barack Obama supporting the cause via video. Musician James Blunt and actor Morgan Freeman will also be on-hand for the event's kick off.

The third annual Invictus Games are set for September 2017, in Toronto, Canada.