For more than 20 years, the Department of Veterans Affairs has sponsored four national rehabilitation special events for our nation’s veterans. In 2008, two additional programs were added to this roster. All of these annual national programs promote the healing of both body and spirit as they motivate eligible veterans to reach their full potential, improve their independence, achieve a healthier lifestyle and enjoy a higher quality of life overall.
Each year, VA sponsors or co-sponsors these programs for U.S. military veterans served by VA medical facilities nationwide. Each program enhances the physical, social and emotional well-being of the veterans who participate. Each event improves the awareness of the therapeutic value of recreation, sports or creative arts therapy in the lives of our nation’s veterans. For more information about each of these outstanding programs, click on the link below.
National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic
March 29 - April 3, 2009
Snowmass Village in Aspen, Colorado
This event is the world leader in promoting rehabilitation by instructing veterans with disabilities in adaptive Alpine and Nordic skiing, and introducing them to a number of other adaptive recreational activities and sports. For many newly injured veterans, including many injured in Iraq and Afghanistan, the Clinic offers their first experience in winter sports and gives them the inspiration to take their rehabilitation to a higher level. Participants include veterans with spinal cord injuries, amputations, traumatic brain injuries, neurological challenges and visual impairments.
National Veterans Golden Age Games
June 1 - 5, 2009
Birmingham, Alabama
Life begins at 55, at least it does for more than 600 veterans competing in this national event, the premier senior adaptive rehabilitation program in the United States. 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. It is one of the most progressive and adaptive rehabilitative senior sports programs in the world, offering 14 different sports and recreational activities.
National Veterans Wheelchair Games
July 13 - 18, 2009
Spokane, Washington
The largest annual wheelchair sports competition in the world, this event offers 17 different sports to veterans who use wheelchairs due to spinal cord injuries, amputations and neurological diseases. The Games promote rehabilitation through rigorous competition in such events as basketball, rugby, softball, handcycling and others. A special “Kids Day” program allows children with disabilities to meet the athletes and be introduced to wheelchair sports. While past Games have produced national and world-class champions, the Games also provide opportunities for newly disabled veterans to gain sports skills and be exposed to other wheelchair athletes.
National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic
VA’s newest national program, the Summer Sports Clinic promotes rehabilitation of body and spirit by teaching summer sporting activities to veterans with significant physical or psychological impairments. The Clinic offers such sports as surfing, sailing, kayaking, track and field, and cycling to veterans who are newly injured from amputations, traumatic brain injuries, post-traumatic stress disorder and other neurological disorders, all benefitting from the therapeutic environment offered at the Clinic. Each year, the events offered will vary, allowing greater exposure to new adaptive sports and recreational activities.
National Veterans TEE Tournament
September 6 – 10, 2009
Coralville, Iowa
Previously a local program, this new national event provides legally blind and eligible disabled veterans an opportunity to develop new skills and strengthen their self-esteem through adaptive golf and bowling events. Each year, the TEE Tournament uses a therapeutic format to promote rehabilitation, fellowship and camaraderie among participants. The event provides eligible veterans with an opportunity to participate in therapeutic adaptive sporting activities which demonstrate that having a visual or physical disability need not be an obstacle to an active, rewarding life.
National Veterans Creative Arts Festival
October 5 - 11, 2009
San Antonio, Texas
This annual program is the culmination of talent competitions in art, creative writing, dance, drama and music for veterans treated in the VA’s national health care system. Each year, approximately 130 veterans exhibit their artwork or perform musical, dance, dramatic or original writing selections in a gala variety show. A professional orchestra accompanies the performance. All veterans invited to participate are selected winners of year-long, national fine arts talent competitions in which thousands of veterans enter, from VA medical facilities across the nation.
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