Prince Harry has urged the UK's Invictus Games team to grasp the opportunity the sporting tournament will give the wounded, sick and injured competitors as they battle back to fitness.
Harry launched the 90-strong squad, who will compete in the Paralympic-style competition in Toronto, at the Tower of London - with some Beefeaters for company.
The prince, who has been the driving force behind the event, joked with the competitors, telling them: "Whether you are blowing smoke out of your arse as you cross the line makes no difference. It is what you are achieving, what you have achieved to get there."
The team's new captain was announced - former Grenadier Guards Major Bernie Broad, 50 - and in a poignant moment, a six-year-old girl delivered a speech thanking Harry for founding the Games and describing how it has helped her mother.
Mr Broad, who lost both legs below the knee following an explosion in Afghanistan's Helmand Province in 2009, said: "When I got injured it's amazing what I lost - confidence, ability, stature. I didn't like being seen because of various injuries - but now to have tapped a button saying 'I want to have a go at being captain' and getting the job on my first Invictus Games was just brilliant."
Later at a reception at Plaisterers' Hall in the City of London, Harry told the UK team: "The Invictus Games has always been a launch pad, everyone is here for different reasons and only you will know that reason, you and your family and your friends as well.
"But make the most of this opportunity, this is your opportunity, your chance, and for many of you I know this is a second chance at life.
"I know that many of you here have struggled over the years, and some have struggled more than others, but the fact of the matter is you're here now and therefore you have this amazing journey, this amazing opportunity in front you."
Harry staged the first Invictus Games, for injured, wounded and sick servicemen and women and veterans, to great acclaim in 2014 and had further success with the Orlando Games last year.
The former Army officer told the Invictus competitors that wanting a podium finish was ingrained in all of them, but he added: "Those who have done Invictus before know it's not about the medals, but taking part."
He went on to say: "When you cross the finish line regardless of where your position is, I know exactly what all you guys are going to do, you'll turn around and you'll congratulate every single person who comes over that line regardless of what strip they're wearing."
During the reception Maya Turner, aged six, got a loud round of applause when she read her letter about her mother, RAF Sergeant Michelle Turner, 38, who had competed in the Invictus trials.
Sgt Turner from Wigan has a serious heart condition, after contracting a virus, which causes her to collapse, and has been selected for swimming and rowing when the Games are staged in Toronto this autumn.
The UK is one of 17 nations taking part in the Games, from September 23-30, with more than 550 athletes competing in 12 adaptive sports.
The six-year-old told the competitors: "I was very proud of mummy and every other brave boy and girl.
"Thank you Help For Heroes and Prince Harry for helping my mummy and her friends."
She made the audience laugh with her final words: "PS I hope I have my two front teeth for Toronto".
The youngsters was praised after making a 999 call when her mother collapsed at home in 2015 and she later received an award in recognition of her efforts.
The little girl was joined by father John, who said about his wife's selection: "It's incredible.
"It's really lifted her and really brought her back to her old self."