National Veterans Golden Age Games set for Hawaii

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WASHINGTON (AFNS) --  More than 700 "golden age" veterans from the continental U.S. and the Pacific islands plan to travel to Hawaii to participate in the nation's largest sporting event for senior military veterans.

The 25th National Veterans Golden Age Games, a national sports and recreational competition sponsored by the Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Canteen Service and Help Hospitalized Veterans, is scheduled to take place May 26 through 31, 2011, in Honolulu.

"VA is pleased to present the Golden Age Games for another year," said VA Assistant Secretary for Public and Intergovernmental Affairs Tammy Duckworth. "The games showcase our senior veterans' spirit of competition and commitment to healthy activities."

Events at the 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 Pacific Islands Healthcare System, the games will have 14 competitive events, including swimming, cycling, horseshoes, bowling, croquet and air rifles.

The games have grown from 115 participants its first year to more than 700 in 2010. It is the only national, multi-event sports and recreational seniors' competition program designed to improve the quality of life for all older veterans, including those with a wide range of abilities and disabilities.

"To have this year's Golden Age Games in Hawaii has brought some logistical challenges to the event that took a fair amount of creativity between the sponsors and coordinators," said Marilyn Iverson, the director of Veterans Canteen Service. "But challenges like this are well worth the effort, and I believe that everyone will love the results. This has been a labor of love for our veterans on this special anniversary of the Golden Age Games. The Veterans Canteen Service is honored to share the experience."

"Help Hospitalized Veterans is extremely proud to be once again a national co-sponsor of the Veterans Golden Age Games," said Mike Lynch, the president and CEO of Help Hospitalized Veterans. "By participating, veteran patients gain a new sense of accomplishment and self-worth that can be life changing for many of them. The games are a proven therapeutic and rehabilitative program that enhances social interactions and helps rebuild self-esteem and confidence."

The 2011 games are set to begin with a gala opening ceremony May 26 at Kuroda Field. Competitive events run from May 27 through 31.

The National Veterans Golden Age Games serve as a qualifying event for competition in the National Senior Games in a number of events. The National Senior Olympics are a community-based member of the United States Olympic Committee and recognize senior athletes as the best athletes in their respective age groups in the U.S.

For more information about the National Veterans Golden Age Games and other VA national rehabilitation programs, visit VA's web site at www.veteransgoldenagegames.va.gov.