CELEBRATION
Veteran Games UK
Reignite Purpose
The Veteran Games is coming to the UK
The core activity of the day will be a Veteran Games UK Expedition, delivered collaboratively through a partnership between Veterans Can… and the Australian based organisers of the Veteran Games. Originally launched on the Gold Coast in Queensland in 2023, the Veteran Games is an exciting team-based competition designed to showcase Veteran resilience, teamwork and problem-solving through a series of physically and mentally challenging activities.
The initiative was developed in response to key findings from the Australian Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, addressing identified gaps within Veteran support systems. It has been created to provide a positive, structured environment that reignites purpose, strengthens connection and brings the Veteran community closer together.
Veterans Can… are excited to be working with the Veteran Games team to deliver this Veteran Games UK exhibition event as part of Veterans Can… at Pippingford 2026.
A New Purpose-Driven Challenge for UK Veterans
The Veteran Games is a team-based, military-style competition designed specifically for teams of Veterans who compete in suitable physically and mentally challenging activities that replicate real military tasks such as obstacle courses, casualty evacuation, and teamwork-focused problem-solving challenges. Its purpose is to celebrate Veterans’ resilience, reignite purpose and provide a structured environment that promotes physical wellbeing, mental health and connection.
Team up for Veteran Games UK
The Veteran Games UK is the heart of Veterans Can… at Pippingford, bringing a bold new chapter of the acclaimed Australian team competition to the UK.
Teams of 8–10 Veterans will take on military-style challenges, obstacle courses, problem-solving tasks and teamwork events designed to test resilience, communication and camaraderie.
Born from the success of the original Veteran Games on the Gold Coast, this immersive expedition is about far more than competition. It creates a structured, positive environment where Veterans can reconnect with purpose, push their physical and mental capabilities, and showcase the strength, spirit and unity of the Veteran community.
At Pippingford, the Veteran Games UK will sit alongside the Veteran-Owned Village, food, stalls and community celebration — making it a powerful day of service, strength and connection.
Think your team has what it takes?
Get involved and be part of the first Veteran Games UK.
Veterans Can… has been selected by the Australia based organisers of the Veteran Games to be the delivery partner for the 2026 Veteran Games UK exhibition.
Heston Russell, Founder of the Veteran Games says his vision is to “create a positive, long-term and measurable impact on the lives of Veterans, their families and the broader community.”
Garrath Williams, Co-Founder of Veterans Can… said, “There are clear parallels between our mission at Veterans Can… and the reasons for the Veteran Games being established and we’re super excited to work with Heston to bring the games to the UK.”
Sponsored by Team Forces
“We’re incredibly proud to be sponsoring the inaugural Veterans Games UK and to be working alongside such passionate partners to bring this important initiative to life.
What stands out about the Veteran Games is its proactive approach – focusing not just on support, but on building long-term physical and mental wellbeing, while celebrating the strength, resilience and achievements of the veteran community. Events like this play a vital role in shaping a more positive and contemporary narrative around veterans, and we’re excited to see that come to life this July at Pippingford Park. We hope this is just the beginning of something that will have a lasting and meaningful impact for years to come.”
Maj Gen Lamont Kirkland CBE, CEO Team Forces
