Let the Games begin

Invictus Games Toronto 2017 is officially underway, beginning with a lively opening ceremony where the stars of the show were the competitors and their families and friends.

An enthusiastic audience greeted the 550 competitors from 17 nations as they entered Toronto’s Air Canada Centre, with the biggest applause saved for the host nation who received a standing ovation from the excited crowd.

Prince Harry and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau joined spectators in welcoming the competitors.

“Thank you for your service,” said Trudeau, before reflecting on the impact the Invictus Games will have on spectators.

“Thinking about what each of us can do in our lives to make the kind of difference that you make in the world every day. Thank you again for being here,” he said.

Read more on the Invictus Games Toronto 2017 website.

Earlier in the day, the first medal event of the Games was awarded, with Erik and Rick from the Dutch Invictus Games Team taking home gold in the Jaguar Land Rover Challenge.

Competition then continued on Sunday, with competitors taking to the court for the wheelchair tennis preliminaries.

The stands were a sea of colour with family and friends donning their nations’ colours in a show of support.

Vocal Netherlands fans waved flags and cheered competitors at every available moment.

After the end of the match, competitors Jelle van der Steen and Ronald van Dort acknowledged the support of the crowd, which included their parents who were proudly watching on.

“I am so excited to see my son and his friend Jelle play wheelchair tennis here at the Invictus Games in Toronto,” said Ronald’s mother.

The pair have been friends for two years and will also compete in wheelchair basketball and swimming.

“it is great to see them playing sports they love,” said Jelle’s father.

Read more on the Invictus Games Toronto 2017 website.

Australian audiences can watch a daily highlights show on ABC TV at 3:40pm and also on iview.