Arkansas Veterans bring home medals from Golden Age Games

The RazorVet Team, representing VA of the Ozarks in Fayetteville, Arkansas, recently competed in the 2023 National Veterans Golden Age Games and brought home a pile of medals. 

In the spirit of the Olympic style games, 19 Ozark Veterans diligently trained every week for the past year with their coaches Bradley Anderson, and occupational therapist, and Jamey May, peer support specialist. The hard work paid off with 10 gold medals, 14 silver medals, 7 bronze medals, and 13 4th and 5th place ribbons.

“It’s an honor and privilege to support, train and coach such an incredible group of Veteran athletes,” said Anderson. “It’s because of their dedication and commitment that I have this great opportunity.”

A play on the name of the University of Arkansas Razorbacks college football team, the RazorVets represented all eight age classifications at the games.

Games inspire Veterans to stay active

Many Veterans first learned about the National Golden Age Games when Fayetteville VA hosted the competition in 2014.  Back then, the events included air rifle, bowling, cycling, field (discus, shot, javelin), golf, horseshoes, mind sports (checkers, dominoes), nine-ball, shuffleboard, swimming, table tennis and track. Since then, the categories have added pickleball, cornhole and disc golf. 

The National Golden Age Games focus on the health and well-being of Veterans 55 and older.  Promoting the importance of continued exercise, the competition encourages athletes to participate in physical activity and athletic events in their home communities. 

It is the perfect opportunity for Veterans across the country to reunite and inspire each other to stay active no matter their age or ability.

“I have met wonderful people around the country,” said RazorVet Pat Groce, Army Veteran. “Every year when I go to the Golden Age Games, I look for my friends from other states. It’s wonderful to catch up with them.”

Here’s information about next year’s games.