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2006 National Veterans Golden Age Games Newsletter in PDF Format |
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SPECIAL EDITION
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What: |
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The premier senior adaptive rehabilitation program in the United States, and 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. It is one of the most progressive and adaptive rehabilitative senior sports programs in the world. |
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When: |
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May 7 – 12, 2006 |
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Where : |
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Hampton, Virginia
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Who: |
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Military veterans age 55 or older who receive health care at any VA medical facility are eligible to compete in the National Veterans Golden Age Games.
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Sponsor: |
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Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and Ladies Auxiliary
Veterans Canteen Service (VCS)
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Why: |
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Sports and fitness are vital ingredients of VA's National Rehabilitation Special Events. Physical activity and friendly competition engage the mind as well as the body, and recreation therapy fills a special need in the lives of older patients at VA health centers across the country. VA research and clinical experience verify that physical activity is particularly important to the health, recovery and overall quality of life for older people. The National Veterans Golden Age Games encourage VA patients over the age of 55 to make physical activity a central part of their lives, and support VA's comprehensive recreation and rehabilitation therapy programs. It is a national showcase for the preventive and therapeutic value of sports, fitness and recreation in the lives of all older Americans.
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Events : |
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Competitive events include: swimming, bicycling, golf, shot put, discus, 10-meter air rifle, table tennis, dominoes, shuffleboard, horseshoes, nine-ball, bowling, checkers, and croquet. Each event has seven age categories for participation, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80-84, 85 & up. Additionally, veterans with visual impairments and those who use wheelchairs may compete in the Visually Impaired or Wheelchair divisions.
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Hosts: |
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Hampton VA Medical Center and the Mid-Atlantic Health Care Network (VISN 6) |
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Program Contact: |
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Dewayne Vaughan, National Director, NVGAG, (202) 745-8615
Sandi Dannenberg, Local Co-Coordinator, NVGAG, (757) 722-9961, Ext. 2571
Jenny Shafer Tankersley Local Co-Coordinator, NVGAG, (757) 728-3450
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Media Contacts: |
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Jenny Shafer Tankersley, NVGAG Public Affairs Coordinator (757) 728-3450
Kristi Nuckols, Local Public Affairs Coordinator, (757) 722- 9961, Ext. 3533
Pam Ecker, VCS VA Rehab Special Events Coordinator (314) 845-1210
Joe Davis, VFW Director of Communications & Public Affairs (202) 608-8357
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