The third Invictus Games gets under way in Canada this weekend, where Prince Harry will be joined by the likes of Melania Trump, Justin Trudeau and maybe his girlfriend Meghan Markle.

The Paralympic-style sporting event is being held in Toronto, where actress Meghan lives and works.

The event will see more than 550 wounded, injured or sick service personnel and veterans from 17 nations compete in 12 different sports.

Image: Prince Harry meets veteran and athlete Mike Trauner of Canada

With 2.5 million veterans in the UK, the event throws light on the fact that support for those who have served does not just come from the Ministry of Defence, but mostly from charities like those involved in the games.

Lamin Manneh is one of those who will be competing for the UK Invictus team.

In 2010, he lost both his legs and an arm during an explosion in Afghanistan, where he was serving with the Irish Guards. He took part in the last year's second Invictus games in Orlando and has been training hard for Toronto.

Lamin told Sky News that being involved has been life-changing: "When I'm doing sitting volleyball, I feel I can express myself. The way I move, to attack the ball, the way I defend the ball, the way I move... that's what it gives me a sense of freedom, a sense of being myself."


The attention around Invictus inevitably brings a focus onto the support that former service personnel receive and who is responsible for their welfare in the long term - not just for the competitors.

Invictus Games: Veterans share their stories

Sky News spoke to Keith Bailey, a former engineer who left the Army 20 years ago and can only now fully admit that he struggled to settle into civilian life.

When he ended up in prison for arson, he was diagnosed with PTSD. He is currently getting support from The Taunton Association for the Homeless (TAH).

The TAH is now converting a former pub in Taunton into the first hostel in the South West specifically for homeless veterans after realising there was a need for dedicated housing with specific support services tailored to those who've left the forces.

Image: Will Meghan Markle be a guest at the Invictus Games in her home town of Toronto?

Justin Roxburgh, Chief Executive of TAH, believes the Ministry of Defence needs to do more.

He said: "I think the clients that we have spoken to over the years would say that they have been neglected, they've served and that's it, there isn't the back up."

There are more than 400 charities dedicated to helping those who have served their country. Speaking to Sky News, veterans minister Tobias Elwood defended the way that support services are currently funded.

Image: Prince Harry meets Invictus Games competitors in Sydney at the launch of 2018's event

He said: "We could do it two ways. We could actually demand more tax from the nation and the Government could do it themselves, or the Government could encourage these charities to step forward so the nation gives through its generosity to support these charities, and I'm very glad to say our nation is very supportive of what they do."

The Ministry of Defence says it has now established additional training in the Army to help to spot people who are struggling with mental health problems.

A service called the "Veterans Gateway", set up online and on the phone, is also helping to signpost charities that can offer support.