WASHINGTON – From the East Coast to the West Coast, more than 500 “golden age” veterans will travel to Houston to participate in the largest sports and recreational competition for senior veterans in the world. The 21st National Veterans Golden Age Games, sponsored by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans Canteen Service (VCS) and Help Hospitalized Veterans (HHV), will take place August 27 – 31.
Golden Age Games competitions are open to all U.S. military veterans, age 55 or older, currently receiving care at a VA medical facility. Hosted by the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, the Games give participants the opportunity to compete in ambulatory, visually impaired and wheelchair divisions according to their age, in sports such as swimming, bicycling, horseshoes, bowling, croquet, discus and shot put.
“The Golden Age Games are a shining example of the care VA provides to its heroes,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Jim Nicholson. “These Games bring together veterans from World War II to Operation Desert Storm, all living full and healthy lives. VA is proud of the care and recognition these veterans receive through this national rehabilitation special event.”
The National Veterans Golden Age Games is the premier senior adaptive rehabilitation program for veterans in the United States. The only national multi-event sports and recreational seniors’ competition program, it is designed to improve the quality of life for all older veterans, including those with a wide range of abilities and disabilities. For a number of events, the Games serve as a qualifying competition for participating in the National Senior Games, a member of the U.S. Olympic Committee.
“On behalf of the Founder and Board of Directors of HHV, I share in the excitement of HHV’s inaugural co-sponsorship of this first-rate ‘special event’,” said Mike Lynch, Executive Director of HHV. “The Golden Age Games help senior veterans maintain excellent mental and physical health by encouraging them to participate in activities throughout the year.”
“Veterans Canteen Service is proud to be one of the sponsors of the National Veterans Golden Age Games as an outward expression of our commitment to serving those who served,” said Marilyn Iverson, VCS national director. “They send a clear message that exercise, fitness and competition demonstrated during their military service still shows in their determination and spirit at the Games.”
The majority of the Golden Age Games events, including opening and closing ceremonies, will be held at the George R. Brown Convention Center. The opening ceremony will take place at 7 p.m. on Monday, August 27. Festivities include music, a color guard, a parade of flags and a ceremonial lighting of the torch. The competition begins with bicycling on Tuesday, August 28, at 8 a.m., at Reliant Park. Amid the competition, veterans will be treated to Texas hospitality at area attractions.
For more information on the Golden Age Games, look online at www.veteransgoldenagegames.va.gov, or call Jenny Tankersley Ballou, National Veterans Golden Age Games public affairs coordinator, at (757) 728-3450 or (757) 254-6058.
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