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Mother Nature threw a curve ball into the mix for the Veteran Games finalists this year, but nothing dampened the spirits of the competitors and cheer squads as they went full throttle during events at the Sunshine Coast.
Rain tumbled down during the two days of epic competition to crown this year's champions, making for a very heavy track.
The challenges were set and 11 teams lined up to tackle a "Full Mission Profile" for double points, tug-of-war, obstacle course round robin and amphibious assault course on Lake Kawana.
Veteran Games founder and former Special Forces Commander Heston Russell appeared live from the competition zone on 7's Sunrise to explain the purpose of the annual series.
"The Sunny Coast has turned it on. We even had to bring in the boats to navigate this wet weather," Heston said as competitors moved inflatable craft through the main arena of the Sunshine Coast Stadium.
"It's about reconnecting the veteran community. Providing purpose to get people together, because veterans helping veterans is what we've learned over the last four years of the Veteran Games is how we help our generation, those that are suffering most from mental ill health.
"We've had teams travelling from all over Australia, a team from the UK, a team from the US, and they've been through two days of activities, this being the second day.
"Today they're doing the full mission profile. Yesterday they did a full round robin of our obstacle course, our ninja wall and now we're going to put them through even more," Heston added.
A mass of vendor tents were also set up on the main deck of the stadium and the biggest fundraising initiative of the Veteran Games, the Veterans First Chin-Up Challenge, caught the eye of the Sunrise presenters.
"All of this would not have happened without our presenting sponsor, Veterans First Consulting, and for both days anyone from the community can come down and take part in our chin-up challenge," Heston said.
"They're (Veterans First) donating $5 for every chin-up and at 11 o'clock they are donating $10 for every chin-up."
Veteran's First Consulting's Community Manager kicked the morning off and smashed out a few heaves alongside Heston.
"Carl is going to lead the way," Heston said as the Veterans First crew cheered him on.
Record figures were raised through the chin-up challenge during this year's national series, with Veteran Support Force and the Veteran Games appreciatively accepting all monies raised.
"This year over the three events we did 6,482 chin-ups totaling $51,065," Carl announced during the finals weekend.
"Thanks everyone for coming down to our Sunshine Coast challenge and also to everyone who participated around Australia this year. Getting amongst it and smashing out all those heaves has taken our donations beyond what we could have imagined."
Another beneficiary of the Veterans First Consulting partnership with the Veteran Games was the Darwin-based team, Mad Snakes On A Plane, who received a $20,000 prize to travel to the Sunshine Coast to compete.
"The Veteran Games are done and dusted for 2026, and what an amazing weekend it's been!," said Mad Snakes team member Kris Civitarese.
"Our fellow Territory team, 1st Combat Engineer Regiment, did us proud! They were right in the hunt for the championship but were narrowly edged out by Veterans for Youth, who are the 2026 Veteran Games Champions. Congratulations to both teams.
"A huge thank you to Heston Russell and his team for putting together such an incredible weekend, to Veterans First Consulting for making our trip possible and to all the other teams for the competition, encouragement, and mateship throughout the weekend," Kris added.
The finals weekend opening ceremony also included a heartfelt message of congratulations to all the competitors and organisers from Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC, Governor-General of Australia.
"Congratulations to everyone taking part in the fourth Veteran Games National Finals on the beautiful Sunshine Coast," said the Governor-General.
"What an extraordinary weekend you have ahead in extremely demanding physical and tactical challenges that showcase your purpose, community, service and excellence.
"You'll be testing your strength, ingenuity and really importantly teamwork, and enjoying the company of people like you who know what it means to serve."
The Governor-General spoke of her personal history with the veteran community and the importance of care after service.
"I am the proud daughter of a veteran and I know just how much the friendships formed through service mean and how vital it is to keep those connections strong," the Governor-General said.
"This time you will be competing against teams from the UK and US. To our Australian veterans, I want to recognise the enormous contribution you continue to make to communities across our country.
"Earlier this month I spoke at the War Memorial in Canberra about our responsibility to care for veterans and their families long after service.
"These games show that care can actually happen in practice the way you're doing it. Looking after your mate, finding new challenges and sharing the joy of being part of a team.
"Good luck, compete hard and have a lot of fun with your friends and mates," the Governor-General concluded.
Two days of gruelling tests and incredible teamwork delivered the ultimate glory for the Veterans For Youth team.
Team VFR qualified for a start at the finals weekend via the Gold Coast Heats earlier this year and celebrated victory after claiming the Veteran Games 2026 Champions title.
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