Sports4Vets Throwdown returns to help #VetsLiveFit

The Sports4Vets Throwdown is back and looking to help even more Veterans meet their goals to live fit. Last year, Veterans across the country contributed 54,000 exercise repetitions for the virtual event. For 2023, the grind continues for the fitness Throwdown being held Jan. 9 to Feb. 3, 2023.

To be fit is to thrive

For Paula Edwards, fitness has always been an important part of her life. The 58-year-old retired Army colonel competed in triathlons, rode 500-mile cycling events and ran minimally 1500 miles a year. Throughout her 32-year military career, she dealt with knee and pelvic injuries in addition to PTSD and other trauma, which made some of those fitness activities difficult.

“I was very competitive when I was younger and was frustrated with my abilities,” said Edwards. “Over time, I accepted where I was, and committed to keeping fitness as a high priority in my life.”

Edwards had already grown to love the Veteran adaptive sports community before joining the Sports4Vets Throwdown last year. Her recreation therapist at Orlando VA introduced her to the National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic in 2019 and she was immediately hooked.

“I got to surf for the first time, meet Veterans from all over the country, and participated in many different sports. It is an opportunity to develop new friendships that may last a lifetime,” she added.

Building up to Throwdown

When Edwards heard about the Sports4Vets Throwdown, she signed up immediately. The event gave her another reason to renew her dedication to fitness. “My goals are to eat healthy balanced meals, do yoga daily and exercise a minimum of five days a week. Throwdown gives me a target and a reason to stay in shape,” she said.

Edwards says her husband, four adult children and five grandchildren have also been a source of strength. “I have a great support system who motivate me to achieve physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.”

With coaching from VA therapists like Christina Lafex, Edwards has added to her adaptive fitness achievements, including one of Crossfit’s toughest challenges, the “Murph WOD.” Lafex says over the years Paula has become a mentor to many Veterans who are just starting on their fitness journey.

Edwards has a message for Veterans who may be thinking about getting involved in this year’s Sports4Vets Throwdown: “Just do it.”

Kick off the new year on a positive fitness note

“There is a place for every Veteran in this virtual community and the classifications and divisions ensure a fun, safe and equitable competition,” said Lafex. “The Throwdown strategically takes place in the beginning of the year to kick the year off on a positive fitness note. It’s also a great way to see what a Veteran’s fitness level is for upcoming national rehabilitation sports events.”

Veterans of all ages and abilities are encouraged to register for the 2023 Sports4Vets Throwdown. To join, go to the website AccessVA and choose your preferred login method. Registration will open Dec. 19 until it reaches capacity.

The VA Sports4Vets Throwdown is a virtual adaptive functional fitness event for Veterans enrolled for VA health care. Participants should create a profile in in the system before registering for the event. There are no fees or costs to create an account or to register.

For more information or questions, visit Sports4Vets Throwdown or email the team at VetsLiveFit@va.gov