WASHINGTON – From the East Coast to the West Coast, more than 500 “golden age” veterans will pour into Orono, Maine, to participate in the largest sports and recreational competition for older veterans in the world. The 17th National Veterans Golden Age Games, sponsored by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), will take place August 7 – 12.
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 Togus VA Medical Center and Regional Office, the Games give participants the opportunity to compete in open and wheelchair divisions according to their age, in sports such as swimming, bicycling, horseshoes, bowling, croquet, and a pentathlon (softball hit, discus, shot put, basketball free throw and air guns.)
“The strength and stamina veterans participating at the Golden Age Games demonstrate are inspiring,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Anthony J. Principi. “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.”
“This gathering for the 17th National Veterans Golden Age Games is not only a challenging experience for those participating, but it also sets a standard which motivates us all to a more active and committed lifestyle,” said VFW Commander in Chief Ray Sisk of Bakersfield, Calif.
After 13 years participating in the Games, Beverly Smith, an 83 year old World War II Navy veteran says it best: “I feel that the Golden Age Games help senior veterans maintain excellent mental and physical health by encouraging us to participate in different activities throughout the year.”
One of VA’s greatest challenges is meeting the growing needs of a rapidly aging veteran population. Today, 38 percent of all veterans are 65 or older, and VA is leading the health care industry in the development of innovative programs that enable veterans to maintain their independence and community ties. Home-based primary care, adult home health care and homemaker and home health aides are among VA program providing extended care in non-institutional settings. Additionally, VA also operates more than 135 nursing home care units, contracts with 3,500 community nursing homes and supports 100 state veterans homes.
The majority of the Golden Age Games events, including opening and closing ceremonies, will be held at the University of Maine, Orono campus. The opening ceremony will take place at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 7. Festivities include music, a color guard, a parade of flags and a ceremonial lighting of the torch. The competition begins with bicycling on Friday, August 8, at 8:30 a.m., at the Orono High School Athletic Field.
For more information on the Golden Age Games, call Jenny Tankersley, National Veterans Golden Age Games Onsite Public Affairs Coordinator, at (310) 407-3155. During the event, please contact the National Veterans Golden Age Games Media Center at (207) 581-9480.
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