Dozens of British combat veterans squared off against their Israeli counterparts in a three day competition across swimming, shooting and cross-fit inspired challenges last week in Israel
65 British participants traveled to Israel to compete in the Veteran's Games at Tel Aviv's Bet Halochem, a sporting facility for injured Israeli servicemen, between May 29th and June 3rd.
The games featured former combat soldiers who have suffered physical or psychological injuries in the line of duty from both the UK and Israeli armed forces.
One of the UK competitors in the veteran games (Beit Halochem UK)
Events were specifically designed to accommodate a range of physical disabilities and medals were awarded across disciplines and abilities.
Ido Lazan, an injured veteran and organiser of the games' Cross-fit challenges told the Times of Israel: “We wanted it to be something for professionals to first-timers, something that could be done in a short time, two to three minutes per station, something that would make the sportsmanship stand out. We wanted it to be competitive, but not crazy,
Caroline Beazley, a British combat veteran from The Not Forgotten Association said: "These games restore the pride we once felt when we wore our military uniforms.
"They give us the opportunity to create new friendships, they give us the chance to meet with each other’s families in a safe, friendly space to talk about the challenges we all face and how we can continue to support each other.
"And they give us wonderful, lifelong memories, from a beautiful country, rich in heritage and history.”
Veterans Minister Leo Docherty attended the opening ceremony of the games, calling the atmosphere "electric" and also paid tribute to the "amazing and warm relationship that rightly exists between our two countries.”
Founder of the games Spencer Gelding said that bringing British veterans to Israel was an important part of the games. He said: "I have a strong belief in helping the British community, but I’m a Zionist and I have been involved with working with Israel.
"I wanted to create strong ties and try to enhance the love of Israel in people who had no knowledge of the country except what they see in the media.”
The veterans games is funded by donations from the Patron Charitable Initiatives, the Pears Foundation, Rachel Charitable Trust, the Maurice Wohl Charitable Foundation, the Charles Wolfson Charitable Trust, and the Exilarch’s Foundation.
