The Department of Communities and Justice and the Office of Sport have partnered with Veteran Sport Australia (VSA) to promote programs and get more veterans participating in community sport and recreation.
Acting Minister for Veterans, Geoff Lee said staying socially connected to boost wellbeing and fitness was the focus of Veterans’ Health Week, this week.
“Social interaction and physical activity are two factors that underpin our wellbeing so as well as partnering with VSA, we’re backing a number of events throughout the week that encourage veterans to actively care for their health,” Mr Lee said.
“Any physical activity which gets veterans together to interact while getting fit and healthy is terrific for their wellbeing,” he said.
Mr Lee said the partnership would also strengthen VSA’s drive to increase opportunities for veterans to volunteer in sport and active recreation organisations.
Chairman of VSA, James Brown said it had been the most challenging year to date for people to engage in social and team sport.
“The trials of 2020 also reinforce how essential it is to maintain good mental and physical health,” Mr Brown said.
“Nobody has to tackle these challenges alone, so we’re encouraging veterans and their families to get active and stay connected to support their wellbeing,” he said.
Mr Brown said VSA also teamed up with Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling and parkrun Australia to launch the ‘Team Veteran’ (not) parkrun initiative.
“This is an opportunity for veterans and their families to do a ‘virtual’ parkrun at any time, any place and at any pace,” he said.
Further information on Veterans’ Health Week activities can be accessed on the Department of Veterans’ Affairs website at this PS News link and information on the ‘Team Veteran’ (not) parkrun at this link.
