The Veteran Games and Conference

From 25th  – 31st May, UK and Israeli veterans will come together at the inaugural Veteran Games and Conference in Tel Aviv, Israel. Taking place at the pioneering Beit Holchem rehabilitation centre, almost 150 British veterans (accompanied by their families) will take part in the trip which will include an opening ceremony, sporting competitions, a social and cultural programme, home hospitality with Israeli families and a closing event. Sports will include swimming, shooting and cross-fit style fitness challenges. The Not Forgotten is proud to be accompanying 15 beneficiaries.

Parallel to the values of The Not Forgotten, the entire programme is designed to be inclusive of all veterans and their families, providing opportunities to share experiences through a variety of events and activities. The games will also enable the veterans, the participating NGOs and the other involved parties to learn about how the two countries care for their wounded veterans. Alongside the games, a conference on mental health, PTSD and recovery will take place, 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. Chairing from Israel will be Professor Zahava Solomon.

The Veteran Games, which is the first of its kind, is funded by philanthropic donations and supported by leading rehabilitation and forces organisations including The Not Forgotten, The Royal Marines Charity, RAF Benevolent Fund, Rock to Recovery, Veteran Scotland, Combat Stress and Association of Jewish ex-Service Men and Women (AJEX). The entire programme is funded by donations from The Patron Charitable Initiatives, The Pears Foundation, Rachel Charitable Trust, The Wolfson Family Charitable Trust, The Exilarch’s Foundation, The Maurice Wohl Charitable Foundation and The Charles Wolfson Charitable Trust.

Keep your eyes on our social channels for photographs and updates of the week.