Veterans for Youth team crowned Veterans Games 2026 champions

Competitors faced physical and problem-solving challenges testing strength, teamwork and leadership. Queensland team, Veterans for Youth were crowned 2026 Champions. The team competed in the Finals off the back of winning the Veteran Games Gold Coast Heat in June this year.

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 eleven 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.”

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Last year’s defending champions, the Brisbane Jackals, returned alongside the Average Joes from Ringwood RSL in Victoria, who are competing for a fourth consecutive year. They were joined by Darwin Heat finalists 1CER and the Mad Snakes on Plane, Gold Coast Heat winners Veterans for Youth, UK champions the Veterans Can Warriors, a team from the USA and other finalists from across Australia.

“What I love most is that our original teams are came back again. We’ve had people travel 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.

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 played 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 also worked 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 took part in the Veterans First Consulting Chin Up Challenge, with $5 donated towards future Veteran Games for every completed chin up. The Veteran Games 2026 Finals are presented by Veterans First Consulting.

Robert Dougherty

Author

Robert is a senior journalist who has previously worked for Seven West Media in Western Australia, as well as Fairfax Media and Australian Community Media in New South Wales. He has produced national headlines, photography and videography of emergency services, business, community, defence and government news across Australia. Robert graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, Majoring in Public Relations and Journalism at Curtin University, attended student exchange program with Fudan University and holds Tier 1 General Advice certification for Kaplan Professional. Reach out via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or via LinkedIn.

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