Prince Harry cheers on runners as Invictus Games kick off in Toronto

The 2017 Invictus Games, a sporting event for wounded, sick, or injured military veterans, kicked off in Toronto on Saturday evening.

The opening ceremony marked the beginning of the eight-day event in the Ontario capital which spans Sept. 23-30. Athletics takes place Sept. 24-25 at York Lions Stadium, the site of the 2015 Pan American Games.

The multi-sport event, which brings together athletes from as many as 17 nations in 12 sports, first started in 2014 and was spearheaded by Prince Harry. As many as 550 competitors are in Toronto before the Games move to Sydney, Australia in 2018.

Let the games begin!! Stars came out to honour our wounded warriors tonight at the #InvictusGames opening ceremonies. #IG2017 #SoldierOn pic.twitter.com/84Mc4ETg1O

— Canadian Armed Forces (@CanadianForces) September 24, 2017

Team Canada’s co-captain is three-time Invictus Games medallist Natacha Dupuis, who won two gold in athletics at the previous Games in Orlando, Fla. In 2016, the retired master corporal and Canadian Army veteran won gold in the IT7 100m and 200m. (She won a third medal in weightlifting.)

Natacha et Simon, cocapitaines d’@IGTeamCanada 2017, se joignent au gouverneur général @GGDavidJohnston et Mme Johnston avec la flamme. ? pic.twitter.com/JqzFV84ZDO

— Invictus Games 2017 (@InvictusToronto) September 24, 2017

Notable attendees of the opening ceremony at the Air Canada Centre in downtown Toronto included Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Prince Harry, First Lady of the United States Melania Trump and Governor General of Canada David Johnston. Trudeau and Harry both delivered speeches to the athletes after they entered the stadium.

Prince Harry’s speech

Watch Prince Harry's inspiring speech at the Opening Ceremony @InvictusToronto pic.twitter.com/ktGrHXmZj5

— Invictus Games Foundation ??+? (@WeAreInvictus) September 24, 2017

On Sunday, Harry was at York Lions Stadium taking in the athletics action from the stands. He also met with athletes at the indoor facility, located across the road, which earlier this year hosted the Ontario University Athletics Track Championships.

Prince Harry is cheering on the competitors on the first day of athletics #InvictusGames2017 Toronto. pic.twitter.com/poMV5nnIKo

— The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (@KensingtonRoyal) September 24, 2017

"First race?" – A good luck from ?Prince Harry. #InvictusGamesToronto pic.twitter.com/U0zLlIEJdU

— The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (@KensingtonRoyal) September 24, 2017

Great atmosphere and crowds at today's athletics event @InvictusToronto! pic.twitter.com/4L4CYhFNoE

— Invictus Games Foundation ??+? (@WeAreInvictus) September 24, 2017

To all the wounded warriors competing at @invictustoronto: thank you for your service & good luck! #InvictusGames pic.twitter.com/WvaK93V01b

— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) September 24, 2017

The entire event is being streamed live online. Click here for schedule and broadcast details.