Twenty-three veterans from the VA Augusta Health Care System will participate in the National Veterans Golden Age Games from June 27 to July 2 in Tampa, Florida.
Veterans aged 55 and older from across the country will arrive in Tampa, Fla., this weekend to participate in the National Veterans Golden Age Games – an annual multi-sport competition hosted by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Local veteran athletes hail from hometowns such as Augusta, Grovetown, Hephzibah, Evans, Harlem, and North Augusta, according to a news release from the VA Augusta Health Care System.
“The Golden Age Games inspire our nation’s Veterans to stay active, stay motivated, and stay connected,” said Brittany Hook, Director of the National Veterans Golden Age Games. “Each event celebrates our Veterans’ commitment to wellness and shows how the pursuit of physical activity can lead to stronger health, greater independence, and a higher quality of life.”
The five-day event, with its focus on “Fitness for Life”, offers competitors the opportunity to showcase their talents through events such as basketball, golf, and several other sports activities. More than 1,000 veterans from across the country are expected to participate and will be supported by around 1,300 volunteers and sponsors.
The first Golden Age Games was held in 1985. For nearly four decades, the event has encouraged older Veterans to pursue physical activity through competitive sports for positive outcomes and better health and wellness. World-class instructors and recreation therapists help Veterans experience the full potential of rehabilitation and sports medicine as a tool for improved health and well-being
Sports include air pistol, air rifle, archery, badminton, basketball, billiards, boccia, bowling, cornhole, cycling, disc golf, golf, horseshoes, pickleball, powerlifting, power walk, shuffleboard, swimming, table tennis and track and field.
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