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The Gold Coast will host the opening event of the 2026 Veteran Games at Broadwater Parklands this weekend (20–21 June), with locals invited to take part for the first time.
Founded by Special Forces Major (Ret’d) Heston Russell, the Veteran Games is a national series designed to reconnect veterans, serving Defence personnel and supporters through shared physical and mental challenge.
Momentum is building, with nine veteran teams already registered to take part in the Gold Coast heats – set to break a record number of participants as the competition marks its fourth year.
Teams of eight will compete across a series of challenges. including the obstacle course, ninja wall, rope climb and tyre flips, with top performers progressing to the national finals in October.
A major new addition to the thrilling competition this year is the Veteran Games Challenge, giving members of the public the chance to grab a friend, compete in pairs and experience the same military-inspired format as competitors.
“This year is about opening the door to the community,” Russell said. “The challenge means people don’t just watch – they step into it alongside those who have served and experienced that camaraderie.”
Leading the local push is former Gold Coast Titans NRL player Selasi Berdie, who co-owns CMBT Training Centre.
“The moment I saw what the Veteran Games stood for, I knew we had to be part of it,” Berdie said.
“Our brand is about helping people ‘find their brave’, and that’s exactly what these veterans represent.”
CMBT Training Centre is among several other local businesses whose communities have already signed up to compete in waves across the weekend.
“Our community is really excited to show up,” he said.
“The men and women who have served often lose that sense of connection and this event helps bring it back. Getting behind it is something the whole community can do.”
Gold Coast mayor Tom Tate said the city was proud to host the event.
“The Veteran Games are far more than a sporting event, representing healing and connection for servicemen and women after years of gallant service to their country,’’ mayor Tate said.
“It is an honour to host the 2026 Veteran Games and I strongly encourage everyone to support those who have given so much for the nation.”
The Gold Coast heats will launch the 2026 season ahead of events in the United Kingdom, Sydney and Darwin, culminating in the national finals at Sunshine Coast Stadium in October.
Russell said the 2026 series had been expanded to create more ways for people to engage with the Veteran Games.
“When the community gets involved, it reinforces what the games are all about: connection, resilience and mateship.”
Registrations are now open for veteran and Defence competitors and public participants in the Veteran Games Challenge, with free entry for spectators. The Veteran Games 2026 Series is proudly presented by Veterans First Consulting.
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