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Prince Harry launched the official countdown to the 2017 Invictus games in Toronto today. The prince promised that the Olympic-style sporting event which honours wounded, injured and sick troops will be its biggest yet.

Hundreds of people lined the street waiting to catch a glimpse of the prince and watch a sledge hockey exhibition game inside at the Ryerson’s Mattamy Athletic Centre, the former Mapleleaf Gardens. About 600 military participants from 16 nations are expected to compete in 12 sports in the event, which is the 31-year-old Royal’s brainchild. Harry says it was the flight home from Afghanistan that the created the idea for the Invictus games.

From Toronto Prince Harry will travel to Orlando Florida for the 2016 Invictus games which are being held from May 8th to 12th. The Toronto games in September 2017 will be the first to feature a national torch relay, igniting the Invictus spirit across all 32 Canadian military bases and neighbouring communities. The games will also help commemorate Canada’s 150th anniversary.

Also announced today Premier Kathleen Wynne committed up to $10 million over the next two years in support of the Invictus games.