The organisers of the Veteran Games and Conference are delighted to announce that the 2022 Games will take place between 29 May and 3 June in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, Israel.
First held in 2019, this event will see 65 British wounded, sick and injured Armed Forces veterans travel to Israel with their families where they will compete with their Israeli counterparts who are battling identical challenges.
The Veteran Games recognise the fundamental role played by sport and family in supporting the ongoing recovery of veterans who have suffered physical and psychological challenges as a result of serving their country.
Veterans will compete in a variety of sports while learning how their respective countries provide care for those wounded, sick and injured in the service of their country. Families will have the chance to meet and share common experiences in a relaxed and supportive environment while enjoying social activities and cultural events that will provide an insight into Israel’s rich heritage and history.
Mark Ormrod MBE, a former Royal Marines Commando who was injured in Afghanistan and became the UK’s first triple amputee has been appointed Veteran Games and Conference Ambassador. He comments:
“I am extremely proud to support this important event that brings together wounded, sick and injured veterans to celebrate sport and family as a means of recovery. Both have had a hugely positive impact on me.
“Sport has played a massive part in motivating me to achieve new goals and not be defined by my injuries. The Veteran Games offer competitors something really special, because family members, who are often a veteran’s ongoing support system and play an important role in recovery, also get to attend the event. I wish all the competitors every success at this year’s Games!”
The Veteran Games is the first of its kind and funded entirely by philanthropic donations. It is backed by leading rehabilitation and Armed Forces charities who have put forward beneficiaries to compete including: Rock2Recovery, Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund, The Not Forgotten Association, The Royal Marines Charity, The Association of Jewish Ex-Servicemen and Women, Veterans Scotland, FELIX Fund, SSAFFA, Help for Heroes and Blind Veterans UK.
The Games will take place at pioneering state-of-the-art facilities run by the charity *Beit Halochem, which offers rehabilitation, sports and recreation centres and lifelong care for disabled veterans and their families in Israel.
The Veteran Games Conference will be chaired by Sir Simon Wessely, Professor of Psychological Medicine at the Institute of Psychiatry, King’s College London and consultant advisor in psychiatry to the British Army.
The conference will see internationally renowned academics and experts in the field of mental health from both countries meet to discuss mental and physical health, veteran recovery and welfare issues.
Minister for Defence People and Veterans Leo Docherty said:
“Sport is an integral part of the rehabilitation and recovery journey for wounded veterans. The 2022 Veteran Games highlights how sport can provide amazing opportunities for veterans across the globe to connect, over shared experiences.
“I wish good luck to all the athletes in this year’s games and thank charities across the UK for their continued dedication and support for our disabled veterans.”
