Vet News: Senior Veterans Showcase Benefits of Sports During National Veterans Golden Age Games
More than 800 Veterans ages 55 and older are expected to compete in the 29th National Veterans Golden Age Games, Aug. 8-12 in Omaha, Neb. The official kick-off starts at 6:30 p.m., August 8 at the Century Link Center Arena.
Participants will compete in 14 events including swimming, cycling, horseshoes, bowling, field events and air rifles. Veterans also will participate in four exhibition events, including racquetball, 3-on-3 basketball, boccia and blind disc golf.
“When it comes to sports, age is just a number,” said Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) Secretary Robert A. McDonald. “VA research and clinical experience shows that physical activity plays an integral role in maintaining good health, speeding recovery and improving overall quality of life. These games also serve as a way for participants to continue in local senior events in their home communities.”
The National Veterans Golden Age Games is sponsored by the Department of Veterans Affairs and hosted by the VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System. The health care system provides care for more than 55,000 Veterans from 101 counties in Nebraska, western Iowa and portions of Missouri and Kansas. The event is open to all U.S. military Veterans ages 55 or older who are currently enrolled for any VA care.
For more information visit veteransgoldenagegames.va.gov and follow VA Adaptive Sports on Twitter at @VAAdaptiveSport or on Facebook at facebook.com/vaadaptivesports.
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Media Inquiries:
Michael Molina
National Veterans Sports Programs & Special Events
(202) 560-7305
[email protected]
