A former Scots Guard from Edinburgh, who now works in Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory, is traveling to Israel today (SATURDAY 28th MAY) to compete in the Veteran Games.
Fraser Rowand, 41, from Granton, said that exercise was a vital part of his recovery from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.
He will join around 65 veterans from across the UK to take part in the international event in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem next week (Sunday 29th May – Friday 3rd June).
First held in 2019, the Veteran Games bring together wounded, injured and sick Armed Forces veterans with their Israeli counterparts who are battling similar challenges.
Fraser, a former Lance Corporal and father-of-five, has been selected to take part in the cross-fit and swimming events. He left the Army in 2013 after more than a decade’s service but struggled to adapt to civilian life after losing close friends in Afghanistan.
He managed to turn his life around with the help of Poppyscotland and joined the team at Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory four years ago. He also started exercising in his free time and is working to qualify as a personal trainer.
Fraser said: “I didn’t realise I had PTSD until several years afterward, but I think it had always been there. I lost three close friends in Afghanistan. It’s hard to describe what it was like out there, but you just had to get on with doing the job.
“When I left, I found it hard to settle down to a civilian job. In the Army you’re part of a big team, and you lose that when you leave. It was only through sitting down with different organisations that I was able to start working through it.
“I was very fortunate to hear about the job at Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory. It’s all set up for veterans and you’ve got that camaraderie here. I don’t know what I would have done without it.
“I’m really excited about this opportunity. I’ve never done an international competition, but I’m looking forward to competing with other veterans and meeting like-minded people.”
Fraser’s wife, Susan, will be traveling with him along with other competitors’ families. They will also have a chance to take part in social and cultural activities over the week.
The Veteran Games are organised by Beit Halochem UK, a national charity devoted to raising awareness and funds for Israel’s wounded veterans and victims of terror. The event recognises the fundamental role played by sport and family in supporting veterans’ recovery after physical and psychological challenges.
Participants compete in a wide range of sports, while also learning how their respective countries provide care for former servicemen and women who are wounded, sick and injured.
Charlie Pelling, manager of Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory,said: “We’re delighted that Fraser has been selected to compete and wish him the best of luck.
“The Veteran Games is a wonderful initiative that recognises the important role of sport and comradeship in supporting veterans’ physical and mental health. This is an opportunity to highlight the resilience of our Armed Forces community and raise awareness of issues facing them and their families.”
The first event of its kind, the Veteran Games and Conference is funded entirely by philanthropic donations, with Poppyscotland and Legion Scotland providing support with travel expenses for five Scottish competitors.
Events will be held at Beit Halochem’s pioneering state-of-the-art facilities, which offers rehabilitation, sports and recreation centres and lifelong care for disabled veterans and their families in Israel.
The conference will see internationally renowned academics and mental health experts from both countries meet to discuss veterans’ health, recovery, and welfare issues.
Launching the event, Leo Docherty MP, Minister for Defence People and Veterans, said: “Sport is an integral part of the rehabilitation and recovery journey for wounded veterans.
“The 2022 Veteran Games highlights how sport can provide amazing opportunities for veterans across the globe to connect, over shared experiences.
“I wish good luck to all the athletes in this year’s games and thank charities across the UK for their continued dedication and support for our disabled veterans.”