Inside the Veterans Games where injured heroes compete against other soldiers to help with their recovery
LIFTING the barbell proudly above his head, former Royal Marine commando Mitchell Singleton knew he had come a long way in his recovery.
The 59-year-old, who served in the Falklands War and in Iraq, is one of a 60-strong team chosen by British military charities for the Veterans Games, which are taking place this week in Tel Aviv, Israel.
Unlike other events such as the Invictus Games, competitors aren’t required to qualify, instead charities choose veterans most in need of uplifting.
Veterans Minister Johnny Mercer paid a visit to the Games, where the Brit heroes compete against Israeli veterans across different disciplines including swimming and crossfit.
Camaraderie
Veterans were also invited to bring their families for a five-day holiday in Israel where they took in historical sites in Jerusalem.
Among the heroes was Craig Lundberg, 37, from Liverpool, who lost his sight in a rocket grenade attack in Iraq.
He said: “Meeting other veterans has been a great support but there is definitely a sense of competition. We are soldiers, aren’t we?”
Craig was joined on the trip by partner Nicola, 34, and their three kids, Ben, 11, Max, seven, Sofia, five, who helped guide him in the activities.
Nicola said: “I’m really proud of him. Our children say they have their own superhero.”
Meanwhile, Mitchell who suffered a shattered leg, which led to gangrene, said: “The Games have given me the confidence to do more.
“Having the opportunity to meet other veterans was a reminder that veterans the world over experience similar difficulties and the camaraderie is always there regardless of nationality.”
Mercer, who served in the Royal Artillery in Afghanistan, travelled to the event, organised by charity Beit Halochem UK, to present medals and learn more about how Israel helps its military veterans.
He told The Sun: “Israel has done well over the years and I’m interested in what’s working the best here so we can roll it out in the UK. The people who carry weight are families. That’s why this event is so special because they’re all here.
“I’m determined to make the UK the best country in the world to be a veteran.”
Another veteran at the Games was Gareth Golightly — who served with the Royal Logistics Corps and lost his right leg while on duty in 2002 — as well as Caroline Beazley, an ambassador of the Veterans’ Games.
In 1994, she was shot four times while on duty with the Royal Military Police in Northern Ireland.
Caroline recalled how taking part for the first time in 2019 changed her life.
She said: “To be part of a team again, to wear a uniform with the Union flag on it just restored my pride.
“It has changed my life in an amazing way.”