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For the first time, Australian veterans and serving Defence personnel will compete alongside international teams from the UK and USA in the 2026 Veteran Games Finals on the Sunshine Coast.
The two-day event will be held at Sunshine Coast Stadium on 24-25 October. Competitors will face physical and problem-solving challenges testing strength, teamwork and leadership.
Now in its fourth year, the Veteran Games was developed in response to the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, including the loss of purpose, community and identity that can accompany the transition from military service.
Veteran Games founder and retired Special Forces Major Heston Russell said the Veteran Games was created to give Veterans something meaningful to work towards after leaving Defence.
“Four years ago we started the Veteran Games with a simple idea: bring Veterans back together, give them something meaningful to train for and recreate the purpose, community and connection that so many of us miss when we leave Defence,” Mr Russell said.
“This year we’ve taken the Veteran Games from the Gold Coast to Darwin and the UK, and now we have teams travelling from across Australia, the UK and the United States to compete together on the Sunshine Coast.
“That is a pretty significant step for an event that started four years ago.”
Last year’s defending champions, the Brisbane Jackals, will return alongside the Average Joes from Ringwood RSL in Victoria, who are competing for a fourth consecutive year. They will be joined by Darwin Heat finalists 1CER and the Mad Snakes, Gold Coast Heat winners Veterans for Youth, UK champions the Duke’s Warriors, a team from the USA and other finalists from across Australia.
“What I love most is that our original teams are coming back again. We’ve got people travelling interstate for their fourth year in a row. That’s people finding their team again, having something to work towards and wanting to keep coming back,” Mr Russell said.
Brisbane Jackals Captain Sergeant Troy said the camaraderie between competitors was a major reason his team continued to return.
“There’s something special about lining up alongside people from all backgrounds of service and instantly sharing that same mindset of resilience, teamwork and backing each other,” Sergeant Troy said.
Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli welcomed competitors, families and supporters from across Australia for the Veteran Games National Finals.
“We are honoured that the Kawana Sports Precinct will play a role in hosting this important event, which celebrates the dedication, resilience and camaraderie of our veteran community.
“The Veteran Games provide a wonderful opportunity to recognise the service and sacrifice of current and former Australian Defence Force members, while showcasing the positive impact that physical activity, connection and outstanding human endeavour can have on people’s lives.
“We look forward to sharing all that makes the Sunshine Coast such a special place -from our world-class facilities and beautiful natural environment to the warm welcome and friendly vibe our community is known for.
The Veteran Games is also working with Surf Life Saving Queensland and local clubs Kawana and Mooloolaba, to support the Finals, with volunteers and safety craft assisting with the event’s water-based elements.
Spectators can take part in the Veterans First Consulting Chin Up Challenge, with $5 donated towards future Veteran Games for every completed chin-up.
“You don’t have to be competing to be part of the Veteran Games. Bring the family, get behind the teams and come and see what Veterans are capable of when we put purpose, community and service back around them,” Mr Russel said.
The Veteran Games 2026 Finals are presented by Veterans First Consulting.
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