Building on the success of the 2017 Invictus Games in Toronto, the Ford government’s committing $3-million to support the Valour Games.

Ottawa will host the inaugural Valour Games in 2022, with a different Canadian city hosting the event every two years.

Premier Doug Ford and Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Minister Lisa MacLeod made the announcement in Ottawa.

”We owe our veterans and active service members a debt of gratitude for their service to our country,” Ford said.

”The Valour Games will provide another important opportunity for Ontarians to recognize the skills and excellence of our men and women in uniform and united our province and country at a time when it’s needed most.”

The games will welcome over 500 competitors and family and friends to compete in adaptive team and individual sports over the course of one week.

”Canadian service members and veterans face significant challenges when returning from deployment or transitioning to civilian life,” said MacLeod.

”Their recovery, rehabilitation and reintegration into their communities can be greatly enhanced through the transformative power of sport.”

60% of medically released military personnel have permanent physical limitations.

Veterans and military personnel also experience higher than average rates of mental illness such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, stress, depression and anxiety.