VA will accept applications from Veterans interested in competing in the 2017 National Veterans Golden Age Games beginning Feb. 1. Veterans ages 55 and older and enrolled in VA health care may complete applications online at www.veteransgoldenagegames.va.gov. Applications will be accepted through March 1.

“VA is committed to offer sports and fitness as an integral part of a successful healthcare program, and I encourage every eligible Veteran to take advantage of this opportunity,” said Carla Carmichael, National Veterans Golden Age Games director. “There are significant health benefits to leading an active lifestyle, and in keeping with the games’ motto, we want every Veteran to achieve ‘Fitness For Life.’”

The 2017 National Veterans Golden Age Games will take place in Biloxi, Mississippi, May 7-11. Nearly 800 athletes are expected to compete in the national multi-sport competition for senior Veterans, embracing the “Fitness for Life” motto. The event encourages 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.

VA research and clinical experience verify that movement and exercise are important to maintaining good health, speeding recovery and improving overall quality of life. The games encourage participants to continue in local senior events in their home communities and every other year serve as a qualifying event for competition in the National Senior Games. VA Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System will host this year’s games. The Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System provides care for more than 50,000 Veterans throughout Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida.

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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14 Comments

  1. Manuela Wenzel_Torres January 20, 2017 at 11:27

    Hello,
    sorry, i know this don’t belong here but i thought i give it a try.
    I am surching for a Veteran who served the army and was stationed in Schweinfurt/ Germany 1958/59 .
    His name is George Williams and his hometown was San Diego/California.

    Maybe someone out there knows him or can tell me what else i can do to surch for him.
    He left a son here in Germany without knowing.
    Hopefuly waiting for respond

  2. Guy G. Warren January 17, 2017 at 15:17

    I am interested in the track and Field events and how will the age of the Vets be separated for the events … Guy

  3. Kay January 15, 2017 at 12:15

    I am interested in the marathon as well.
    Kay

  4. Timothy O. Shally January 13, 2017 at 20:26

    What are the cycling event or events? And, is this going to be an annual event?

  5. Gary R Durkovitz January 13, 2017 at 16:51

    I am an Air Force & Army Veteran, 64 years old. I am interested in either competing or performing my Martial Arts at the Golden Age Event. I am a 7th Degree Black Belt. I would like to do breaking techniques…boards, bricks etc. Is this opportunity available?

  6. TYRONEWATSON January 13, 2017 at 16:07

    I would like to help out with the games as a ref or help person yes iam a veteran I just retired this july 29 with over 33 years of federal service

  7. Kevin Campbell Garvey January 13, 2017 at 15:54

    Will you be accepting travel claims? lol

  8. Robert B. Carlsen January 13, 2017 at 14:52

    Please notify me when there is more information, and an application available. I would like to participate, but it may be too far to travel for the event.

  9. Robert B. Carlsen January 13, 2017 at 14:49

    Please contact me when there is more information available. I am considering applying and participating, but it may be too far to travel for the event. Thank you.

    Bob Carlsen

  10. Elmer L. Eagle January 13, 2017 at 13:49

    does the V.A dispense Trulicity for type 2 diabetics?

  11. james byers January 13, 2017 at 13:06

    What is the cost for this event in biloxi. My wife can drive me NC to Biloxi.

  12. MsCarrieBell January 13, 2017 at 12:24

    Iam a disable vet looking for info. on dangerous chemical at Ft. McCellen Alabama What can you share with me.

  13. Kenneth e sloman January 13, 2017 at 11:05

    As I am a fully disabled Viet nam vet I realize that all veterans are America’s greatest generation

  14. Ivan Rivas January 13, 2017 at 11:00

    Quick question: Is there a Marathon Event?

    Ivan
    AVCM Retired

Comments are closed.

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