Hero Mark is face of Veteran Games
THE organisers of the 2022 Veteran Games have announced that Plymouth military veteran and fund-raising hero Mark Ormrod is to be an Ambassador for the 2022 Games.
The Games, which will take place between May 29 and June 3 in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, Israel, feature Armed Forces veterans in sporting competition.
First held in 2019, this year’s event will see 65 British wounded, sick and injured Armed Forces veterans travel to Israel with their families. They will compete with their Israeli counterparts who are battling identical challenges.
The Veteran Games recognise the fundamental role played by sport and family in supporting the ongoing recovery of veterans who have suffered physical and psychological challenges as a result of serving their country.
Veterans will compete in a variety of sports while learning how their respective countries provide care for those wounded, sick and injured in the service of their country. Families will have the chance to meet and share common experiences in a relaxed and supportive environment while enjoying social activities and cultural events that will provide an insight into Israel’s rich heritage and history.
Mark, a former Royal Marines Commando who was injured in Afghanistan and became the UK’s first triple amputee, said: “I am extremely proud to support this important event that brings together wounded, sick and injured veterans to celebrate sport and family as a means of recovery. Both have had a hugely positive impact on me.
“Sport has played a massive part in motivating me to achieve new goals and not be defined by my injuries. The Veteran Games offer competitors something really special, because family members, who are often a veteran’s ongoing support system and play an important role in recovery, also get to attend the event. I wish all the competitors every success at this year’s Games!”
The Veteran Games are funded entirely by philanthropic donations. They are backed by leading rehabilitation and Armed Forces charities who have put forward beneficiaries to compete.
The charities include Rock2Recovery, Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund, The Not Forgotten Association, The Royal Marines Charity, The Association of Jewish Ex-Servicemen and Women, Veterans Scotland, FELIX Fund, SSAFFA, Help for Heroes and Blind Veterans UK.
The Games will take place at facilities run by Beit Halochem, a charity which offers rehabilitation, recreation and lifelong care for disabled veterans and their families.
The simultaneous Veteran Games Conference will be chaired by Sir Simon Wessely, Professor of Psychological Medicine at King’s College London and consultant adviser in psychiatry to the British Army.
Leo Docherty, Minister for Defence People and Veterans, said: “The 2022 Veteran Games highlights how sport can provide amazing opportunities for veterans across the globe to connect over shared experiences.”