By TPS • 23 May, 2019

A new international event for wounded armed forces veterans will take place in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem next week in which over 100 the United Kingdom and Israeli veterans will compete in sports events.

The program includes a three-day conference with leading professionals discussing veteran PTSD, mental health and recovery.

The Chelsea Football Club is backing the five-day event by providing football coaching for families attending and specialist workshops for Israeli sports teachers.

The Veteran Games, which is the first of its kind in Israel, is supported by the Royal Marines Charity, RAF Benevolent Fund, Rock to Recovery, Veteran Scotland, Combat Stress, The Not Forgotten Association and Association of Jewish ex-Service Men and Women.

The program includes activities for families to join together and share their experiences.

Jonathan Ball, Chief Executive of The Royal Marines Charity, said that “we are delighted that the families of our Royal Marines will meet and share with others from Britain and Israel at these Games, and will find that shared common burdens become lighter.”

Spencer Gelding, Chief Executive of Beit Halochem UK, said that “we’re extremely proud to be a founding partner of the inaugural Veteran Games & Conference.”

“The contribution of the armed services is immeasurable, and it is our ambition to help pave the way for best practice with regards to physical and mental rehabilitation of wounded veterans,” he added.

“We greatly look forward to welcoming the UK veterans, representatives of many of the leading UK veteran organizations and academics involved in the conference. We hope this pioneering initiative will be the start of a long-term relationship.  It will also be an opportunity to show the unique facilities that Beit Halochem offers to its 51,000 members and a chance to explore Israel’s rich culture and vibrant society.”