SYDNEY, Oct. 26 (Xinhua) -- The 2018 Invictus Games will draw to a close in Sydney on Saturday having showcased 550 competitors from 17 countries and regions.
Originally devised by Prince Harry of the British Royal Family, who was in Australia for the event, the Invictus Games is a competition for sick and injured military service personnel.
Similar to the Paralympic Games, events are tailored to the diverse range of competitors' abilities and include wheelchair rugby, indoor rowing, archery, athletics, sailing and sitting volleyball.
Australian Army veteran, 62-year-old Paul Langley, who competed in the indoor rowing and sailing competitions on Sydney Harbour, said the atmosphere of the games was supportive and understanding.
"It's very unique within itself between say, the Paralympics and the Olympics. The Invictus Games is not so much about the medals but about the healing power of sport and the way it brings people out and gives people a new lease of life and shows them that there's a life out there to be had," Langley said.
As an older competitor, Langley said he enjoyed watching, and hopefully helping to inspire the younger competitors to push themselves beyond what they previously thought possible.
"The highlight for me is to watch the younger guys and girls and the people who've never won medals before, and people that have never gone out and done things before [and see] the look on their faces when they achieve something, a personal best or a medal," he said.
Jakob Andersen served with the Danish Army in Iraq in 2003 and said that the Invictus Games have played an active role in his recovery from overseas conflict.
"I was at the archery range yesterday and I was really stressed out. I have PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), and it gives me more stress when there are a lot of people around me," Andersen said.
"With my arrows I was doing well in the first round and in the second round hit two very low numbers and I just started laughing. I found out that [the Games] are just amazing to be a part of."
There is no medal tally at Invictus, with the focus being on rehabilitation, and the focus at the closing ceremony on Saturday night will be on the personal victories and mutual healing which Andersen said he looks forward to celebrating.
"I expect a great evening with lots of memories from the games, lots of highlights, having found great friendships all over the world," he said. .
