Veterans

Veteran Games brings soldiers together for its 2023 event

Watch: Veterans Affairs Minister Johnny Mercer is put through his paces in a London park..

Minister for Veterans' Affairs Johnny Mercer has thrown his support behind the Veteran Games by being put through his paces in a military-style PT session in a London park.

The Veteran Games, first held in 2019, is a five-day event based around sports for wounded, sick and injured veterans, including from the British Armed Forces.

This year it will be held in Israel from 27 May to 2 June, with veterans of the British Army competing alongside veterans of the Israeli Defence Force.

Mr Mercer said: "There's a real chance of comradery. There is a real chance of getting together with like-minded individuals, and it reminds you of your time in service.

"I think some people find that extremely helpful.

"The Veteran Games pulls everyone together like that and it's brilliant."

The countdown begins for 2023 Veteran Games!

First held in 2019, this event will see 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. pic.twitter.com/MEWRKLsu89
— RMA - The Royal Marines Charity (@theRMcharity) April 10, 2023

Veteran Games CEO Andrew Garland said: "You take 60-plus UK veterans; so wounded, sick and injured, their families and children, if they have them, as a party over to Israel to compete with the Israeli Defence Force.

"Similar folk over there who have also been wounded, sick or injured."