The Invictus Royal Duathlon, a sporting and commemorative event dedicated to Veterans of Overseas Operations Day and the memory of Romanian soldiers killed in the line of duty during international missions, will take place on Saturday in Curtea de Arges.

Now in its eighth edition, the event is being held ahead of Veterans of Overseas Operations Day (November 11), a date of particular significance for the Romanian Armed Forces.

'Under the motto 'Sport. Remembrance. Camaraderie', the event will bring together wounded service personnel, veterans, children, parents, amateur athletes, volunteers and members of the local community in an occasion where sport becomes an expression of gratitude, solidarity and respect for those who have served Romania,' according to a press release issued by Curtea de Arges City Hall.

The official opening ceremony, which will pay tribute to the 31 Romanian service personnel killed in the line of duty during international missions, in the presence of their families, will begin at 9:00 in the area around the Princely Church in central Curtea de Arges.

'We run, we cycle and we enjoy sport, but there is a much deeper reason why we organise this event. We do not want to forget! We do not want to forget our comrades who went on missions and never returned home. We do not want to forget their sacrifice or the families who keep their memory alive,' reads a message posted on the Invictus Romania Facebook page.

According to the organisers, participants will be able to compete in duathlon and cross-country running events, divided into age categories for children, cadets, juniors and adults. The event will also include competitions for people with disabilities.

'The competition will take place in Curtea de Arges, with the starting area in front of the Princely Church. The race routes will run along Basarabilor Boulevard and Victor Stefanescu Street, while San Nicoara Street will be used for the transition area for children and cadets. Speed bumps are present along the cycling route,' the organisers said.

There will also be an area dedicated to the Invictus Romania programme, where participants and spectators will be able to discover sports practised by wounded service personnel as part of their rehabilitation and meet Invictus Games competitors.

The Invictus Royal Duathlon is organised by the Vanatorii Posadei Sports Association and Invictus Romania, with the involvement of the 33rd Posada Mountain Infantry Battalion based in Curtea de Arges and Invictus Romania volunteers.

'The competition is made possible thanks to the support of Curtea de Arges City Hall, the Land Forces Staff, the Defence Staff, the Romanian Triathlon Federation, institutions within the national defence, public order and national security system, emergency response and medical services, veterans' organisations and partner associations,' Invictus Romania said.

The first edition of the Invictus Royal Duathlon in Curtea de Arges took place on November 11, 2017. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: George Onea; EN - writing by: Simona Iacob)