Accounting software company, Sage, has partnered with the Invictus Games Foundation, the international paralympic-style multi-sport event, created by Prince Harry for servicemen and ex-servicemen.

The multi-year partnership will make Sage the games’ biggest British sponsor.

The games, which will this year take place in Orlando, Florida, use sport to help wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women with their recovery and rehabilitation. Sage aims to apply its area of expertise by extending its mentoring and work placement programme to former military service personnel. It is hoped that this will help ex-servicemen apply their unique skills to new careers and adjust to life outside of the armed forces.

Sir Keith Mills, chairman of the Invictus Games Foundation says, “I am thrilled that the Invictus Games Foundation is entering into a multi-year partnership with Sage. This partnership goes further than a simple sports sponsorship and will see Sage’s expertise in supporting entrepreneurs draw out the potential of the unique skills and experience of military servicemen and women. The Invictus Games inspires people considering life beyond the military and we welcome Sage as they join us on that mission.’

A team of colleagues from Sage will also volunteer during the Invictus Games in 2016. The inaugural games were held in London in 2014 and attended by over 400 competitors from 13 nations. In 2016, the games will see over 500 competitors from 14 nations compete in 10 sports.

Stephen Kelly, CEO at Sage says, “We believe entrepreneurs are the true heroes of the global economy, and supporting them is our passion. We want to play a positive role in communities through our Foundation. Particularly close to our heart is an enduring and treasured relationship with those who have given their service to their country – a special type of hero, so we are proud to pledge our ongoing global support to the Invictus Games.”

The Sage Foundation, which launched in 2015, allows for Sage employees to donate five working days towards a philanthropic cause of their choosing. Days spent volunteering for Invictus will be deducted from this allowance.

Lee Perkins, managing director at Sage UK and Ireland , says, “So many companies treat corporate social responsibility as a tick-box exercise, which completely misses the point. Lots of Sage employees are already involved in volunteering and grant programs – we’re extending and building on this. We are passionate about our communities and we want to give our colleagues the tools and encouragement to go out and work with the organizations and causes they really care about. We want employees to bring their values and passions into work with them.”

At Sage’s customer event in July this year, competitors from the Invictus Games will be invited to join 20,000 entrepreneurs to inspire them with their stories of determination and success.