More than 800 Veterans ages 55 and older are expected to compete in the 29th National Veterans Golden Age Games, Aug. 8-12 in Omaha. The official kick-off starts at 6:30 p.m., Aug. 8 at the CenturyLink Center Arena.

Participants will compete in 14 events including swimming, cycling, horseshoes, bowling, field events and air rifles. Veterans also will participate in four exhibition events, including racquetball, 3-on-3 basketball, boccia and blind disc golf.

“When it comes to sports, age is just a number,” said Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) Secretary Robert A. McDonald. “VA research and clinical experience shows that physical activity plays an integral role in maintaining good health, speeding recovery and improving overall quality of life. These games also serve as a way for participants to continue in local senior events in their home communities.”

The National Veterans Golden Age Games is sponsored by the Department of Veterans Affairs and hosted by the VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System. The health care system provides care for more than 55,000 Veterans from 101 counties in Nebraska, western Iowa and portions of Missouri and Kansas. The event is open to all U.S. military Veterans ages 55 or older who are currently enrolled for any VA care.

For more information visit www.veteransgoldenagegames.va.gov and follow VA Adaptive Sports on Twitter at @VAAdaptiveSport or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/vaadaptivesports.

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2 Comments

  1. DannyG August 17, 2015 at 00:07

    I don’t know where else to post this, so here goes: In an effort to get the vets & VA employees together, why don’t we try to arrange some sort of competitive event between the two; in as many cities, regions, etc., as possible. I’m thinking like a big picnic & softball game – vets vs VA! Sounds corny, I know, but it could be fun, & something good just might come out of it! Soon, the weather will get nicer & even in Arizona, we could get out & have a good time.
    We need to do something! I’m tired of all the childish bickering & finger pointing! If you don’t like that idea, how abt a big night out. I bet we could get someone to donate the use of a reception hall, maybe get a band to play, some good food…… I’d even be willing to do the legwork, locally, & if neessary, we could ask for donations to help cover the costs. C’mon vets; c’mon VA, let’s try to something to try & HELP OURSELVES! I hope Secretary McDonald or someone else in upper mgt gets wind of this & really thinks abt the impact it could have! If nothing else, think of the headlines WE could make, together for once! You know how to get in touch – I hope someone does! (I didn’t even capitalize “veterans”; I put VA! ) C’MON!

  2. DannyG August 12, 2015 at 13:48

    OLD GUYS/GALS ROCK! Maybe things willl be better for me & I’ll be in next year’s games. This year, I am in the running for president of the local chapter of the “Sons of Arthritis” !
    Thanks to the Nebraska-Western Iowa sponsors, and of course the Dept. of VETERANS Affairs for putting the event together!

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