Applications are now open for Veterans interested in participating in the 2020 National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic, Sept. 20-25 in San Diego, Calif.

Veterans are encouraged to apply online at www.summersportsclinic.va.gov. The deadline to submit an application is May 1.

Hosted by VA San Diego Healthcare System, the National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic offers adventure sports and recreational activities such as sailing, surfing, kayaking, and cycling for Veterans with disabilities. Complementing the therapy provided in daily rehabilitation programs, the Clinic shares a glimpse of the many exciting recreational opportunities awaiting those Veterans who accept the challenge. Participants will develop sports skills and take part in a variety of adaptive sports workshops.

veteran surfing

Veterans learn to surf at the National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic in San Diego, California.

VA hosts the clinic in collaboration with Presenting Sponsor, Wounded Warrior Project and Founding Event Sponsor, the Veterans Canteen Service, as well as dozens of other partners.

Founded in 2008, the National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic serves newly injured Veterans with complex disabilities, such as traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder, visual impairments, neurological conditions, spinal cord injury or loss of limb.

Participation is open to eligible Veterans receiving care at any VA medical facility. More than 100 volunteers are expected to donate their time and efforts to the event.

For more information visit www.summersportsclinic.va.gov and follow VA Adaptive Sports Programs on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram at @Sports4Vets.

Read more:

Beyond fun and games, there’s real healing at Summer Sports
Blind Chuck inspires as Summer Sports ambassador
From archery to sailing, Navy Veteran credits National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic with keeping him on the move

By VA’s Office of National Veterans Sports Programs and Special Events

Topics in this story

Adaptive SportscyclingKayakingNational Veterans Summer Sports ClinicSailingSurfing

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93 Comments

  1. where is the link to apply for this February 26, 2020 at 01:24

    I have recieved an email and clicked to apply to register and a disabled veteran in San Diego where is the link to join this event?

  2. Robert Ferguson February 19, 2020 at 21:19

    I would like to assist in adding Pickleball to your program. Please contact me if you are interested.

  3. Merlin Mundy February 18, 2020 at 14:29

    Where can I obtain information about air rifle & air pistol shooting. I cannot participate this year because of other comments but I would like to start preparing for next year. Need to know: requirements for air rifle & air pistol used in competition; the type, power, sights, weight, etc. Also where can I see the requirements of each of the shooting event (distance, position, etc). Is there a newsletter or email available that I can sign up for that would send information about air rifle/pistol shoots/shooting?

  4. Dwayne Poteet February 16, 2020 at 11:01

    Where & how do we register to volunteer to support and help this event?

    • Nathaly Gonzalez February 21, 2020 at 08:50

      I would love to volunteer too ✋

  5. Aaron Terry February 15, 2020 at 06:10

    Hello Mike Molina. How can I apply for a Monthly Stipend for Training for the Summer Sports Clinic?

  6. Jim Morrow February 14, 2020 at 13:38

    I would love to participate in this program amend have applied before but always told I didn’t make the list due to too many participants. I’m a Vietnam vet and Iraq III vet with 100% VA service connected disabilities but I’m in pretty good condition and think I would do well in this program. There are a lot of hoops/paperwork to do to qualify and since I’ve done it before do I have to do all this again? Do you have any idea how difficult it is to not only get an appointment with your doctor but to get them to sign anything they don’t have to or understand? With that, can I submit the request and wait to get the other requirements if and when I get accepted? I really don’t want to jump through all these hoops then be told yet again “to many participants.”

  7. Matthew E. Stitzel February 14, 2020 at 12:37

    Would like to visit the ’20 ‘Vet’s summer clinic – even though ’tis in Sept. – in San Diego, a place I’ve never been to. I live in Boise, ID. I am at the BSU veteran’s computer internet since I do NOT(!) have a computer at home. I usually check my msg’s every day when I come here; this seemed like a great opportunity to relay the msg. for the future.

  8. Richard February 13, 2020 at 23:33

    I would love to participate and most likely would qualify however I’m not even going to waste my time writing out my story here. I see all these veterans wanting to be heard, with stories that go on deaf ears, and pains that go on without any relief. If I read the information correctly…it states that this program only pays for meals and bus transportation. I don’t know if ya’ll haven’t been paying attention to all that is going on in our Veteran Community but this is exactly why the epidemic is so high. This program only serves those that are fortunate enough to have the money to pay for accommodations and travel expenses. The majority of us go without proper medical treatment and/or any at all yet we are supposed to come up with thousands of dollars for a motel/hotel in order to seek help and/or therapy? The majority of us can only window shop such opportunities because this only caters to the financially comfortable and travel accessible. Nothing about that says “We are trying to help our Veterans…” Nothing what so ever. I am a 35 year old single male with only my Canine Copilot. I’m a CAB and Purple Heart Recipient. No brain injury I have sustained makes me unintelligent enough to really think this is for us disabled veterans as a whole. My life has been mostly hell all around since getting out and yet….I find more relief placing trust upon a homeless man or woman I encounter at random, than the Veteran Affairs. In saying that…I’ve been trying over and over and over and over again so much I literally just moved across the entire country to a state I’ve never been to before in seeking proper care. I’ve been here two years now officially and yet my records are still inaccurate due to false recordings/lies/misdiagnosis/missing test results and medical records on the VA part, and even recently the doctor literally told me what she thought the hard mass on my head that wasn’t always there “may be” instead of showing me a scan of any sort. Medical Malpractice and Criminal Negligence All Day Long at all of these Clinics, Nation Wide. For many of us it’s literally torture. Hell I even had one lady at my local clinic here laugh directly in my face to my response onto why I moved across the entire country to a place where I have no family. I said “..to hopefully find better healthcare.” Their response “hahaha You should of moved to Tucson.” I got no treatment that day and left with heavy tears in my eyes. They now act as if nothing happened and they continue on with no regard onto how I feel. I understand this particular site is merely just one platform…but if ya haven’t noticed…I’m NOT the only one seeking help only to be declined, forgotten, and/or extremely mistreated. The VA has caused many of us more pain and suffering then what we started with. It needs to CHANGE. Period. I will not be scared and/or intimidated because it’s my brothers and sisters dying every single day out here. I suffer every single day out here with them. 99.9 percent of the people commenting their issues and desire for help here will go into the night quicker than the sun sets being complete disregarded as if they do not matter. The rest of the world will wake up with the sun and yet WE are being Forgotten as if we are not worth the time.

  9. Daniel Carbajal February 13, 2020 at 22:46

    Thank you

    • Jim Morrow February 14, 2020 at 13:10

      Hey brother, sorry for all you’re going through but don’t give up. I’m a disabled veteran to with pretty good health overall and can’t complain about the care I get from the va system here but I haven’t ask for much either. As for the summer sports program there are veteran organizations that will cover your travel and lodging if you’re accepted. Wounded Warrior Project can help you out with this and many other things as well, even help with the VA. Reach out to them because they will help.

  10. Dwayne G Haines February 13, 2020 at 15:05

    It should be open for all!!!

  11. Albert Scozzari February 13, 2020 at 12:39

    How do I apply?

  12. Daniel Hartman February 13, 2020 at 11:54

    I have am a 100% disabled Veteran with Bi-Polar. I would love to attend this. Is it limited to Post 9/11 Veterans?

  13. Lori Arndt February 13, 2020 at 10:53

    I think it is a great insult that those of us veterans who served our country ore 9/11 get tossed aside and forgotten. There are hardly any programs or organizations that offer programs or opportunities to heal. Thanks to my fellow brothers I am a ptsd survivor from MST and I for one am tired of seeing all the programs available only for the post 9/11 wounded vetersns. There is an entire group of veterans who are being cast aside who served their country honorably, but apparently the VA and host of other nonprofits could care less about us.
    This is totally unacceptable and shouldn’t be tolerated. You try and get help or assistance for programs at VA and get told sorry that funding or program is just for post 9/11 veterans. Tell me how that is acceptable and excusable?

    • EFA February 27, 2020 at 01:00

      Just read the eligibility requirements, and you are right. It is for post 9/11 veterans. Once again all those who served pre 9/11 are discarded. Sad and disgraceful.

  14. Gregory PIERMAN February 13, 2020 at 10:16

    I am a Vietnam era vet with PTSD. I have had both knees replaced and arthritis in my hips and back, I lost 45lbs last summer and would like to keep it off. I grew up at the beach in southern Calif and think I could benefit from this program and maybe help with other Vets. I currently live in Minnesota.

  15. Michael Perez February 13, 2020 at 09:27

    Hi, where do I apply?

  16. Tyrone Huell February 13, 2020 at 08:12

    I’m a veteran with PTSD, I would love to participate, I really need the social, networking & team environment to help get back to being great again.

  17. Karen Cole February 13, 2020 at 07:46

    I read through and i did not see where to registrar at. Help me please! I am a vet. with problems walking and seting to long without pain, headaches, shoulder and back pain

  18. Sandra W. boyd February 13, 2020 at 07:42

    How do you apply?

  19. Gerald D Scott February 13, 2020 at 07:21

    I think that this is Great, I would very much like to attend

  20. Patrick L Guthrie February 13, 2020 at 07:20

    I was a helicopter pilot and was involved in 3 helicopter crashes during the war in the Iran. But I survived.

  21. Fernando Orejuela February 13, 2020 at 06:43

    I HAD BRAIN SURGERY @ VA HOSPITAL N NY HOW CAN PARTICIPATE THANK YOU

  22. Karl Sanchez February 13, 2020 at 04:58

    Thanks like sports have copd n msnistivia gravis

  23. Vortex FDC February 13, 2020 at 04:22

    Good news! Rehabilitation and ludic sports are a good combination!

  24. Chadwick M. Hamilton February 13, 2020 at 02:52

    I am looking to join the2020 National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic.

  25. Faustino Lopez Jr February 13, 2020 at 02:49

    Get Some!

  26. Jametta L. Misener February 13, 2020 at 02:41

    I’m a veteran with PTSD and depression… Would like to be with others, join in the summer sports clinic. How do I do this?
    I live in Joshua Tree, CA. Do they have places for vets to stay during the summer clinics? Please send me more information. Thank you.

  27. VICTORIA BELL February 13, 2020 at 02:36

    What is the cost for this event in San Diego?

    • Mike Molina February 13, 2020 at 16:42

      Veteran participants are expected to pay for lodging and transportation to and from San Diego including any incidentals. Meals and bus transportation during the clinic week will be provided.

  28. John Lee Hansen February 13, 2020 at 02:18

    I have hypertensio, 2 complete knee replacements and a total hip replacement. I would like to have some fun.

  29. Antonio Jones February 13, 2020 at 02:11

    I am a vet and I would like join this event or help out in events for my fellow vets.

  30. Msabah Rashidi Sange February 13, 2020 at 00:44

    May my dream of taking charge of my health be completely fulfilled!
    Thank you.

  31. Joseph J Vaifanua February 13, 2020 at 00:41

    I am hearing impaired profound hearing loss both ears. I’d like to know what are all the sports programs are. I also have neuropathy in both legs.

  32. William E. Nash February 13, 2020 at 00:27

    I am a veteran. Will your program need volunteers to assist others and teach basics? I’ve owned three sailboats and sailed the California Coast, British Virgins and the Greek Isles over thirty years.

  33. Brian Ray February 13, 2020 at 00:07

    Greetings

    I see from the announcement the program for all veterans but changes in wording a few paragraphs in indicates for those newly injured. I feel that’s great to recognize our veterans in specific enlisted times, such as Korean, Vietnam etc.

    It would be nice to have you l clarify who you are serving, but do so right up front. It’s better to have knowledge up front vs at the end of application period being denied because you’re not part of a designated group you want to serve.

    Interested in participating but only if I qualify.

    Looks like a great program.

  34. Mark lay February 12, 2020 at 23:31

    Yes

  35. Edgardo Prado February 12, 2020 at 23:26

    Where’s the application

  36. KIMBERLY ANN BLAIR February 12, 2020 at 23:24

    I HAVE HAD SOME MAJOR SURGERY AND A LOT OF METAL PUT IN MY BODY, BUT AT 53, I STILL FEEL LIKE THAT HARD CHARGING 20 YEAR OLD MARINE THAT COULD DO ANYTHING AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL! I WANT TO FEEL USEFUL AGAIN……

  37. William Marciano February 12, 2020 at 23:09

    Does the VA pay for the trip in housing and food accommodations.

  38. Patrick Gallagher February 12, 2020 at 23:05

    Looks like something to help aid recovery and an encouraging lifestyle. I would like to volunteer if you have room for an experienced cyclist with a disability.

  39. Eric C Foster February 12, 2020 at 23:01

    I have filled out the VA Form 0928 Veteran Registration Form but I can not locate an address to send it to. Can you please provide me with a mailing address and any additional information need to take part in this event. Thanks in advance for your assistance.

    Eric C. Foster

    • Mike Molina February 13, 2020 at 16:34

      Completed applications can be mailed to:
      National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic
      3350 La Jolla Village Drive (00SSC)
      San Diego, CA 92161

  40. Cynthia Koehler February 12, 2020 at 22:53

    I am looking f0or a shooting program in Georgia.I I I am wheelchair bound.If there is a program, how do I appl?

  41. Richard Dale hagedorn February 12, 2020 at 22:46

    I would like to participate in sports clinics.

  42. Kenneth Ramos-Vélez February 12, 2020 at 22:32

    I would like to participate but I have my wife and daughter and I don’t know if they can go with me.

  43. Scott Rastovic February 12, 2020 at 22:28

    I am a Vereran 100% total and permanent. I Could really use this as an opportunity to keep building on my social anxiety and being around other Veterans is always a plus.

  44. Frank V Castro Jr February 12, 2020 at 22:23

    Tell me more

  45. Pedro Constante February 12, 2020 at 22:21

    I completed my application. Where do I send it?

    • Mike Molina February 13, 2020 at 16:35

      Completed applications can be mailed to:
      National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic
      3350 La Jolla Village Drive (00SSC)
      San Diego, CA 92161

  46. John Baca February 12, 2020 at 22:08

    How do I apply?

  47. Eric Lebo February 12, 2020 at 22:05

    How do I sign up?

  48. Renee L Meier February 12, 2020 at 22:01

    I am a medically disabled nurse making a comeback. My experience in crippling arthritis and chronic disabling pain has been a difficult journey and like many others, there’s a warrior inside that has more to give. I am not sure I would qualify but I’m in sight of some pretty amazing goals and could really benefit from organizational support. My claim of service connection was denied. Unreal as it seems, to have three major joint replacements by 52, and to be complicated by back, feet, and hand issues, it was no less than a health crisis that left this nurse nearly on the edge of suicide. I have a story that will be told.

  49. Julia Sias February 12, 2020 at 21:56

    Trying to get adjusted to the retired lifestyle. I love sports and hope to participate in the summer games!

  50. Brian Reeder February 12, 2020 at 21:49

    I would like to join the 2020 Sports Clinic in San Diego this September. I am a Retired 100% Disabled First Sergeant of 23 years. I suffer from many different injuries and conditions. Especially the Permanent Complex Regional Pain Syndrome with a Dead left foot and walk with a Cain, caused by an Oops in Surgery at an Army Hospital here in Texas. I was just admitted to Impatient Psych Ward at Army Hospital for Chronic Depression and PTSD. I would REALLY LOVE TO JOIN THIS PROGRAM.

  51. Tom Gallagher February 12, 2020 at 21:18

    Hi, I’m a Vietnam Vet and a competitive sailor small boat. I’m happy to coach if need be.

    Tom Gallagher

  52. Michelle E Tuengel February 12, 2020 at 21:15

    Facebook

  53. Dan Bannister February 12, 2020 at 21:12

    I’m am looking to not sit around and get out but where I live never has any programs for Vets and when I ask the Va hospital I just say they never know and I don’t know how to get in those programs so hopefully this won’t fall on deaf ears and maybe I can do this program I am 100 percent disabled veteran who just turn fifty and still want to do stuff but no help from Va thanks Dan

  54. Dan Bannister February 12, 2020 at 21:09

    I’m am looking to not sit around and get out but where I live never has any programs for Vets and when I ask the Va hospital I just say they never know and I don’t know how to get in those programs so hopefully this won’t fall on deaf ears and maybe I can do this program I am 100 percent disabled veteran who just turn fifty and still want to do stuff but no help from Va thanks Dan

  55. Levell Anderson February 12, 2020 at 20:56

    How do I apply plus the cost for me and is my family invited

    • Mike Molina February 13, 2020 at 16:41

      Veteran participants are expected to pay for lodging and transportation to and from San Diego including any incidentals. Meals and bus transportation during the clinic week will be provided. For more information and application materials visit http://www.summersportsclinic.va.gov

  56. William RT Vincent February 12, 2020 at 20:55

    I have PTSD and other disabilities do I qualify?

    • Mike Molina February 13, 2020 at 16:43

      Qualifying disabilities include: spinal cord injuries, amputations, visual impairments, neurological conditions, PTSD, burns, and TBI/Poly Trauma. All applications are subject to review by the NVSSC Medical Director and NVSSC Director.

  57. Karium A Edwards February 12, 2020 at 20:54

    I am very much interested in attend the 2020 National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic.

  58. William RT Vincent February 12, 2020 at 20:53

    I have PTSD and other disabilities am I eligible to apply?

  59. Herbert Barber jr February 12, 2020 at 20:46

    Looking forward to being a part of the 2020 National Veteran’s summer sports clinic

  60. Frances Eloise Butler February 12, 2020 at 20:36

    I am a disable female veteran with Sexual PTSD, and would like to join the National Veterans Sports Clinic, 2020 participating in Zumba. I use a walker because of balance, it also helps me to forget my situation and feel better. Please have tried to register but does not go through.

  61. Wintha Joran February 12, 2020 at 20:36

    I’m a veteran Service connected with PTSD and anxiety back pain problems, major sleep apnea, can’t sleep at night maybe two hours sleeps if I’m lucky, losing memories, headaches most of the time.

  62. Howard Charleboix February 12, 2020 at 20:27

    How about traditional archery….

  63. Michael D Lowery February 12, 2020 at 20:23

    I’m wanting to apply for the nationals veterans clinic

  64. Paul Dean Nelson February 12, 2020 at 20:17

    I am a veteran who has been homeless but has been successful under VASH program in Oregon the last 4 years with PTSD losing wife in car accident and losing two teenage daughters to the system from being disabled but was able to overcome broken neck and left knee replacement…

  65. Perez L. Blackmon February 12, 2020 at 20:17

    I’m in Georgia. Do I qualify?

    • Mike Molina February 13, 2020 at 16:45

      Veterans who participate come from all across the country.

  66. Lafayette Williamson February 12, 2020 at 20:03

    I’m a veteran with depression, 2 knee replacement among other disabilities, I would love to join the 2020 National veterans summer sports clinic.

    Lafayette Williamson

  67. John Paul Schnell February 12, 2020 at 19:58

    Look forward to down time

  68. Mark February 12, 2020 at 19:56

    I am a veteran with that had open heart surgery major depression and major headaches can not work
    How do I apply

  69. Mark Whitson February 12, 2020 at 19:53

    I attended 3 national events last year. I had a good time at all of them, but the summer sports clinic was my favorite. Many ppl apply but around 150 are accepted. I would suggest it to ev1

    • J n.6 March 7, 2020 at 15:46

      How exactly did you apply Brother? Please advise

  70. Dan Soehlke February 12, 2020 at 19:46

    How do I apply?

  71. Andre Lamar Mills February 12, 2020 at 12:18

    I had PTSD and anxiety some mild mobility problems I am looking to join the2020 National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic

  72. Andre Lamar Mills February 12, 2020 at 12:15

    I am looking to join the2020 National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic

  73. Robert Reece February 11, 2020 at 17:12

    How do I apply?

  74. curtis Lamar spencer sr February 11, 2020 at 16:28

    I am a veteran with that had open heart surgery major depression and major headaches can not work

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