Volunteers needed for the 2017 National Veterans Golden Age Games in Biloxi May 7-11

Be a part of history! VA and the City of Biloxi will host the 2017 National Veterans Golden Age Games from May 7-11. The Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System is looking for volunteers from May 5-12 for a variety of events and aspects of the games, including setup, airport escort, individual competitions and more. Volunteers can sign up online via an electronic volunteer application  — visit this site to sign up. By doing so, you can help serve our senior Veteran athletes.

Approximately 800 athletes are expected to compete in the national multi-sport competition for senior Veterans, and volunteers are needed to make the events successful. Check out these photos from the 2016 Games on Flickr.

“The [Games are] one of the largest special events organized by Veterans Affairs,” said Anthony Dawson, CEO/Director of the Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System. “We are excited to host the Games, and have Veterans from south Mississippi, Alabama, and the Florida Panhandle join with Veterans representing all parts of our great country in this very competitive athletic event. We welcome our friends, family members, and community organizations to sign up to volunteer during the week so we can show our Veterans and their families what southern hospitality is all about.”

The Games encourage participants to make physical activity a central part of their lives, and supports VA’s comprehensive recreation and rehabilitation therapy programs. Competitive events include air rifle, badminton, boccia, bowling, cycling, golf, horseshoes, nine ball, powerwalk, shuffleboard, swimming, table tennis and track and field. Exhibition events include air pistol, archery, basketball, blind disc golf and pickleball.

Veterans ages 55 and over will compete in their respective divisions and events will be held at different locations throughout the Gulf Coast region. Every other year the Games serve as a qualifier for the National Senior Games in some competitive events. Events take place at the following locations, throughout the week and spectators are welcome.

This article was submitted to VAntage Point by the Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System.