An Australian veteran wellbeing initiative born from the findings of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide is expanding internationally, with the first-ever UK Veteran Games expedition set to take place at Pippingford Park near Crowborugh tomorrow (Sat July 25).

The one-day event will bring together veterans from across the UK for a day of challenge, teamwork and shared experience, with more than 300 competitors and spectators expected to attend. The event is open to the public, with families and supporters encouraged to attend and support the veteran community.

Now in its fourth year, the Veteran Games has evolved from a grassroots Australian initiative into an international veteran wellbeing movement, helping former service personnel rebuild community, strengthen wellbeing and find renewed purpose beyond military life.

The initiative was founded by retired Special Forces Major Heston Russell through Veteran Support Force, a not-forprofit organisation established in 2021 following his successful campaign for a Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.

Veteran Games action is coming to Sussex this weekend | Picture: Melody Clark

placeholder image — Veteran Games action is coming to Sussex this weekend | Picture: Melody Clark

Since launching in Australia in 2023, the Veteran Games has brought together hundreds of veterans and is now entering its first phase of international expansion, with future events planned globally.

Russell said taking the Veteran Games to the UK was about helping veterans rebuild the sense of belonging and identity that can be lost after leaving service.

“Many veterans don't miss the military itself, they miss the people, the purpose and belonging to something bigger than themselves,” Mr Russell said. “Rather than asking veterans to sit around and talk about their experiences, this gives people the chance to reconnect by solving problems together, relying on each other and achieving something as a team.”

The event is being delivered in partnership with UK-based veteran support organisation Veterans Can…

Five teams of eight are expected to take part in the inaugural UK expedition, including Military v Cancer, Rock 2 Recovery, The Dukes Veterans and Bromley FC Veterans, tackling a series of mission-style challenges like a vehicle push, casualty evacuation, equipment carries and tug-of-war finale.

Co-Founder of Veterans Can…, Garrath Williams, said the event would give veterans the opportunity to reconnect with people who understand the unique experiences of military service.

“Veterans from across the UK are coming together from different backgrounds and different stages of life, but they share a common understanding of service and the challenges that can come after leaving the military,” Williams said.

“Having served in both the UK and Australia, it’s incredibly meaningful to see these two communities come together. The bonds built through service don’t end when someone leaves the military - they can continue through friendship, teamwork and support.”

The winning UK team will earn the opportunity to travel to Australia to compete at the Veteran Games National Finals on the Sunshine Coast, Australia (24-25 Oct 2026), against Australia’s champion teams for the Veteran Games Shield.

“The UK Expedition marks the beginning of our vision to take the Veteran Games to the world. The friendships and bonds forged through service are incredibly powerful, and we want to create a global network where veterans can continue to support and inspire one another,” Russell said.