As Russia launches its new offensive in the east of Ukraine, hundreds of injured or sick military veterans, servicemen and women have been competing in the latest edition of the Invictus Games in the Netherlands. 

The Invictus Foundation, which organises the Olympics-style competition, says the games showcase "the power of sport to inspire recovery" and "support rehabilitation."

"If you asked my wife, she'd probably tell you that I train too much but it's my therapy. It's what I do to get out some aggravation, get out anything that's in my mind, it's how I clear my mind," said Phillip Fong from the U.S. team, a shiny bronze medal hanging around his neck. Earlier in the day, he'd set a personal record to claim third place in his category in the indoor rowing competition.

Third time lucky

Like many events that involve participants jetting in from every corner of the globe, it's been a tough few years for the team behind the Invictus Games. They were postponed, not just once but twice due to the coronavirus pandemic. 

The U.K.'s Prince Harry, who helped to launch the event, told athletes at the Opening Ceremony in The Hague that they had overcome "immense challenges."

"Together, you are healing and teaching the world as you go," he added.

For Team Ukraine athletes, even making the decision to go to this year's games wasn't easy.

"I didn't want to go to the games, it was a difficult time, almost nobody wanted to go. We were losing our comrades who were fighting in the war. But finally, we decided to go, to show that Ukraine is still fighting," said Rustam Rosul, who is competing in cycling and two other events this year. 

While serving as a border guard in eastern Ukraine in 2014, Rosul says he was shot multiple times when Russian forces fired on his vehicle. The incident left him paralysed.

When asked if he would return to Ukraine after the games, he said that he would "of course" because he's "needed there."

Invictus Spirit 

This festival of what the organisers call "adaptive sports" has many similarities to the Olympics or Commonwealth Games. This year's Invictus Games featured 500 competitors from 20 countries, taking part in everything from Wheelchair Basketball to Archery. 

However, while the competition is fierce, the organisers say the atmosphere is also unique for a global sporting event. 

"It doesn't matter if you win or lose because you're a winner anyway. Just being here, competing, with your friends and your family, challenging yourself mentally but also physically and what you're capable of, that's the Invictus Games," said Gregory Sedoc, the event's Sporting Director, who is a former Olympian himself.

The event's name comes from the Latin word 'invictus', which means 'unconquered.'