The power of sport to heal our veterans

Veteran Sport Australia works as a peak body to develop a strong and connected system of sporting programs and opportunities for veterans and their families. It is one of the many organisations that connects veterans and their families from around the country with sporting opportunities and supports ongoing involvement.

RSL NSW is committed to working with Veteran Sport Australia and to connecting members and sub-Branches by facilitating activities that encourage camaraderie, which plays a critical role in Veteran mental health and wellbeing.

According to mental health experts, regular exercise releases endorphins and improves overall mood. As well as health benefits, team sport and connecting with others creates a sense of community and mateship.

RSL NSW recently launched the first of many sport and recreation activities in collaboration with Veteran Sport Australia.

A group of veterans from across the Lower Mid North Coast played in a two-person ambrose at Tallwoods Golf Course. Veterans from across the North Coast District, Kempsey Lower North Coast District, Nabiac, Taree, Oldbar Hunter District Tea Gardens, Medowia sub-Branches all came together to socially connect.

Testimonial from a veteran who attended:

“Wow, I just had a wonderful day at Tallwoods Golf Course. It was a Veterans Golf Day organised by Arthur Chapman from the Nabiac Sub Branch of the RSL. The day was well organised, we played an Ambrose event, so it was a very relaxed game and gave each player a chance to open his/her shoulders when the chance arose.  Our group was a group of 6 vets from all the services. There was great camaraderie throughout the day and lots of stories were told and many laughs had reflecting on our respective service. At the end of the day, we shared a meal and spun many more warries. Arthur and his team did a fantastic job coordinating the day and making sure no one was left out. I’m really looking forward to the next event and hoping to see more vets turn out as word spreads on the success of the inaugural Tallwoods Vets Golf Day. Thanks again, Steve Power”.

Veterans at Tallwoods Golf Club

The North Bondi and Coogee-Randwick-Clovelly sub-Branches hosted a beach volleyball match in perfect summer conditions. Teams from ANZAC House, North Bondi, and Veteran Sport Australia, converged on Bondi Beach for a day of fun and camaraderie. The event was a huge success and great to see the veteran community and their families come together and connect socially.

To find out more or see what’s happening in your community visit https://veteransport.org.au/