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The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has long been recognized as a leader in adaptive and therapeutic sports programs. From the first Wheelchair Games in 1981, to the opening of the Winter Sports Clinic in 1987, VA has been committed to nearly 30 years of innovative rehabilitative sports programs for veterans of all ages who have served in the armed forces in any capacity and who have physical or cognitive disabilities. The demand for additional physical outlets for this special population is great, and because the other rehabilitation events have proven so successful, VA is initiating the National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic. The first event will take place in September 2008.
Veterans who are recently injured from amputations, traumatic brain injuries, post-traumatic stress disorder and other neurological disorders, as well as those wounded from burns, will benefit from the therapeutic environment offered at the Clinic. Water sports, such as kayaking, canoeing, surfing, waterskiing, deep sea fishing and sailing, as well as other sports such as golf, cycling, tennis, track and field, all provide excellent avenues for improving the health and fitness of veterans. Each year, the events offered will vary, allowing greater exposure to new adaptive sports and recreational activities.
Today, the five national rehabilitation special events will provide roughly 1,800 veterans each year with a venue to showcase their athletic abilities and creative talents, as well as a setting in which to share a very special camaraderie and fellowship.
What:
The National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic Pilot Program (NVSSC) promotes rehabilitation of body and spirit by teaching summer sporting activities to veterans with significant physical or psychological impairments.
Who:
Participation is open to U.S. military service veterans with orthopedic amputations, traumatic brain injuries, burn injuries, psychological trauma, certain neurological conditions, visual impairment, spinal cord injuries and other recently incurred disabilities.
When:
September 28 - October 3
Events & Surfing – La Jolla Shores
Venues Sailing – San Diego Harbor
Cycling – South Park on Embarcadero across from Marriott Hotel
Kayaking – Mission Bay Yacht Club
Track & Field – Olympic Training Center, Chula Vista
(Javelin, Discus, Shot-put, & Track events)
Why:
VA is committed to improving the quality of life for veterans with disabilities, and at this Clinic, those who are recently injured. Participants will develop sports skills and take part in a variety of adaptive sports workshops. Participation at the Clinic demonstrates that having a physical or visual disability is not an obstacle to an active rewarding life.
Host:
VA San Diego Healthcare System
Sponsor:
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
Founding Sponsors:
Help Hospitalized Veterans
Veterans Canteen Service
Information:
Sandy Trombetta, 2008 NVSSC Operations Coordinator (970) 244-1314
Teresa Parks, 2008 NVSSC Administrative Coordinator (970) 263-5040
Media Contacts:
Richard Olague, National NVSSC Public Affairs Coordinator
(202) 461-7541
Cindy Butler, Public Affairs Officer, VA San Diego Healthcare System
(858) 552-4373
For more information, visit www.summersportsclinic.va.gov
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