Secretary Shinseki Kicks-Off National Sports Clinic

WASHINGTON – Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki offered encouragement to injured Veterans and their family members at the opening ceremony of the 2^nd National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic in San Diego.  Calling on them to strive for their best to overcome their injuries, Shinseki kicked-off the clinic by telling his personal story of dealing with a severe combat injury. 

“As Americans, we have a covenant to care for those who have served our nation with honor,” said Shinseki.  “VA is proud to fulfill this covenant through events such as the Summer Sports Clinic, which gives our nation’s injured Veterans an opportunity to renew their self-confidence and rediscover their potential.”   

Sponsored by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the second annual National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic will be held Sept. 20 – 25 in San Diego.  The opening ceremonies took place at Sea World San Diego.  

Events at this rehabilitation clinic include adaptive kayaking, sailing, track and field, cycling and surfing.  Event planners will use venues throughout San Diego, including the U.S. Olympic Training Center.  

Participation is open to military Veterans who are eligible for VA medical care and who have orthopedic amputations, traumatic brain injuries, burn injuries, psychological trauma, certain neurological conditions, visual impairment, spinal cord injuries and other injuries incurred in the last six years. 

VA is a health care leader in rehabilitation.  The clinic is one of VA’s six rehabilitation events held each year, with sponsorship support for the summer clinic provided by original founders, the Veterans Canteen Service and Help Hospitalized Veterans and national sponsor Health Net.  The VA San Diego Healthcare System hosts the Summer Sports Clinic. 

For more information, visit www.summersportsclinic.va.gov, or contact Richard Olague, VA Summer Sports Clinic Public Affairs Coordinator at (202) 746-8552.