The 2018 Invictus Games in Sydney have been added to the Australian Government’s Endorsed Events list.

The listing provides a streamlined pathway and processing for Games athletes and officials to enter Australia.

The list is reserved for significant international events and currently includes the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games and 2017 Rugby League World Cup.

The Games will see more than 500 competitors and more than 1000 supporters from 18 nations descend on Sydney between 20-27 October next year to compete in 11 elite sporting events.

The Minister for Immigration and Border Protection Peter Dutton said the Government wants to see Australia remain a world-class sporting destination.

“The Invictus Games represent all that is good about sport. We are proud to be able to support these incredible athletes to come to Australia and compete,” Mr Dutton said.

“The Australian Government plays a key role in delivering events like Invictus and my Department is working closely with the organisers to ensure all athletes have appropriate visas and make their travel to Australia as smooth as possible.”

The Minister for Sport Greg Hunt said Australia will be warmly welcoming all the athletes involved.

“The athletes participating in the Invictus Games are truly inspiring. They demonstrate the strength of the human spirit and it’s a privilege to have them visit Australia,” Mr Hunt said.

Founded in 2014 by Prince Harry who serves as Patron, the Invictus Games brings together serving and former military personnel in a celebration of sport as a means to overcome physical and psychological adversity.

Sydney will host the fourth Games following London, Orlando in the US and Toronto, Canada.