A former Royal Marines physical training instructor is joining 64 team-mates and travelling to Israel this month to compete in the 2022 Veteran Games.
Following a 20-year military career that took him all over the world, Sergeant Jamie Goss from Bedford was medically discharged from the military in 2012 after suffering multiple complex injuries.
These included needing a bi-lateral total hip replacement, and a number of different surgeries on his knees, hips, elbow, shoulder and hand.
He also had post-traumatic stress disorder, a slipped vertebrae, two prolapsed discs in his back and fractures to his transverse process – the wing-like bones on each side of the vertebrae.
However, he’ll be bringing his A-game to the event, saying “you can take the man out of the Royal Marine Commandos but you can’t take the Royal Marines Commando out of the man”.
The Veteran Games was first held in 2019 and recognises the role played by sport and family in supporting the ongoing recovery of veterans who have suffered physical and psychological challenges as a result of serving their country.
This year, 65 British wounded, sick and injured Armed Forces veterans will travel with their families to compete against their Israeli counterparts who are battling identical challenges.
As well as going head-to-head in a variety of sports, the veterans will spend time talking and learning how their respective countries provide care for those wounded, sick and injured in the service of their country.
Jamie, who is a beneficiary of the Royal Marines Charity who selected him to take part, said he thinks the games will be life-changing.
“It is an honour and a privilege to be asked to represent the Royal Marines, the country, and all veterans in this event – truly humbling,” said Jamie.
“I also can’t wait to see the beautiful country of Israel, especially Jerusalem.
“I think this will be an amazing opportunity, and so will meeting new friends and sharing all the new experiences with them and with Sarah, my partner.”
This year’s Veteran Games and Conference will take place from May 29 to June 3 in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, Israel.
Leading rehabilitation and armed forces charities have nominated beneficiaries and, where applicable, families that they feel would particularly benefit from this event, these include:
- Rock2Recovery
- Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund
- The Not Forgotten Association
- The Royal Marines Charity
- The Association of Jewish Ex-Servicemen and Women
- Veterans Scotland
- FELIX Fund
- SSAFA
- Blind Veterans UK
- Poppy Scotland
- RBL Scotland
