National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic

There are 120 Veterans in San Diego for the adaptive sports summer clinic.

Team Phoenix and Team Poseidon kicked off their week surfing under sunny skies. Volunteers from Deloitte helped our Veterans mount their boards and catch the waves.

Team Neptune and Team Apollo pedaled their way across Coronado Tidelands Park and then enjoyed a delicious lunch of chicken, pulled pork and fresh fruit.

After lunch, Veterans had a great yoga session.

Dr. Shereef Elnahal, VA under secretary for Health, joined Veterans from across the country supporting them as they participated in the weeklong rehabilitative sporting event. He helped Vets get on their surfboards at La Jolla Shores Beach.

Then, it was off to Coronado Tidelands Park where Veterans participated in cycling events. Dr. Elnahal expressed his gratitude for the VA staff and volunteers providing opportunities to our nation’s Veterans.

Helps Veterans’ motivation and independence

The day also included kayaking at Mission Bay Yacht Club, sailing at Fiddler’s Cove Marina and Adaptive Fitness at Invictus Fitness. The evening was capped off with massage and meditation, which is open each evening to all Veterans participating in the clinic.

The National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic introduces adaptive sports to newly injured Veterans with limb loss, post traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, visual impairments, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries and other qualifying conditions.

With its hands-on instruction in surfing, sailing, kayaking, cycling and adaptive fitness, the clinic complements therapy Veterans receive at VA rehabilitation programs.

This opportunity helps them to discover new ways to gain motivation, improve independence and achieve a healthier lifestyle. It is held annually in San Diego and hosted by VA San Diego Healthcare System.

Surf’s up in San Diego!