WASHINGTON, D.C. — From California to Maine, more than 400 “golden age” veterans are heading to Duncanville, Texas, June 10-15, to participate in national athletic competitions sponsored by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW).
The 15th National Veterans Golden Age Games are open to all U.S. military veterans 55 or older, who are currently receiving care at a VA medical facility. Hosted by the VA North Texas Healthcare System, the games will allow participants to compete in sports activities such as swimming, bicycling, horseshoes, bowling, croquet, and a pentathlon (softball hit, discus, shot put, basketball and airguns).
“These men and women are inspiring. There is no other way to say it,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Anthony J. Principi. “The Golden Age Games bring together veterans who landed at Normandy, POWs from Korea and Purple Heart recipients from Vietnam. Anyone who has ever attended the games and seen the esprit de corps among the veterans knows the event fills a special need in their lives.”
The athletes compete in open and wheelchair divisions and in their age groups. Many fought in combat and nearly half were wounded. The majority are veterans from World War II and the Korean War.
“The camaraderie of these events is something to behold — everyone reaches out to help,” said Landon “Chili” Chilchutt, 79, Army combat veteran and former WWII prisoner of war. “It’s really something to see a one-armed man pushing the wheelchair of a man with no legs. They may not win a medal, but they’re all winners!”
One of VA’s greatest challenges is meeting the needs of a rapidly aging veteran population. Today, 9.3 million veterans are 65 or older, representing 38.2 percent of the total veteran population. Care for these men and women is provided through a variety of VA programs, including more than 110 nursing home care units in medical centers, adult day care, home health aide services and community residential care, contracts with 3,500 community nursing homes, and support to 100 state veterans homes. Additionally, VA conducts nationwide research on the causes and treatment of Alzheimer’s and other dementias and funds 20 geriatric research centers.
“These games demonstrate the value of exercise as an essential prescription for dealing with disability and aging,” said VFW Commander in Chief John F. Gwizdak, from Stockbridge, Ga. “The strength of spirit of these competitors coupled with their commitment inspires us all. The VFW is very proud to sponsor the National Veterans Golden Age Games. These veterans set an example for all Americans.”
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