How the Danish Sports Federation helps Denmark’s veterans
Providing an escape through physical recreation for Danish veterans
FREDERIKSBERG, Denmark — Across Denmark are recreational zones specifically for veterans put in place by the Danish Sports Federation (DIF) with help from the Ministry of Defense. But what purpose do they serve?
“Veterans miss having community to be a part of. Many of them battle with PTSD and anxiety. It makes it difficult for them to go out and say join a sporting club”, said Mikkel Grimsgaard, a consultant of the DIF’s Soldater Projekt at the Haerloebet 2026 charity run.
The DIF makes safe zones around the country to provide sports and recreation for veterans to do their activity of choice while being around those similar. They don’t have to tell their whole life story.”
According to their website, there are 60 safe zones across the country offering a variety of activities ranging from shooting and archery to sailing and handball.
In a report from 2019 published by the DIF, a vast majority of the participants are those within the target demographic, that being veterans who suffer from PTSD and depression from their service.
“The activity helps with the mental battle by giving them an accessible distraction without a social barrier,” Grimsgaard said.
After speaking to Mikkel, a middle-aged veteran approached him and thanked him for providing someplace where he could play tennis and even embraced Mikkel in a touching moment and show of just how critical this resource can be.
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This article could be written for an audience and publication in a neighboring country such as Sweden. SVT’s English section comes to mind. Euronews would also be a strong choice for this story as well.
