National Veterans Golden Age Games

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The National Veterans Golden Age Games is 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. The VA Challenges and encourages senior Veterans to be proactive in embracing a healthier lifestyle, thus achieving the NVGAG “Fitness for Life” motto.

National Veterans Golden Age Games at Home Competitions

Veterans going the Distance

We are pleased to present the National Veterans Golden Age Games (NVGAG) at Home, a series of challenges and competitions allowing you to continue in the spirit of the Games and participate from home. Although the face-to-face rehabilitation event planned for Madison, Wisc. was canceled amid concerns surrounding COVID-19, the at home edition will encourage Veterans to continue to be successful athletes and practice healthy living.

We’re excited to offer this competition and give our Veterans an opportunity to show their athletic spirit from home,” said Carla Ruff, Director of VA’s National Veterans Golden Age Games. “We hope this At Home edition will inspire our athletes to stay active and honor the Games ‘Fitness for Life’ motto.

NVGAG at HOME Flyer

If you are interested in learning more about the events or to assist with preparations for the National Veterans Golden Games, follow the links below. The competitions will be conducted in accordance with the rules of the organizations listed here.

PORT	GOVERNING BODY
AIR PISTOL	USA Shooting
AIR RIFLE	USA Shooting
BADMINTON	USA Badminton
BASKETBALL	National Collegiate Athletic Association
BOCCIA	USA Boccia
BOWLING	United States Bowling Congress American Wheelchair Bowling Association Visually Impaired American Blind Bowling Association
CYCLING	USA Cycling
DISC GOLF	Professional Disc Golf Association
GOLF	United States Golf Association
HORSESHOES	National Horseshoe Pitcher’s Association
NINE BALL	Billiard Congress of America
PICKELBALL	USA Pickleball Association
POWER WALK	United States Power Walk Association
SHUFFLEBOARD	National Shuffleboard Association
SWIMMING	United States Masters Swimming, Inc.
TABLE TENNIS	USA Table Tennis
TRACK & FIELD	USA Track & Field

TRAINING FOR THE GAMES

Follow this link for tips on how to stay fit.

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For more information contact:
NVGAG National Staff

Sponsorship Information:

We invite you to be a part of this exciting national event by becoming an individual or corporate/organizational sponsor. Committed financial, in-kind and volunteer support through our local and national sponsorships are essential in providing a memorable experience for those Veterans participating in the Games. Information on how to become a sponsor for the 2021 NVGAG will be posted when that information is available.

Annual National Sponsor:

Veterans Canteen Service (VCS)

VCS is proud to be a part of the Department of Veterans Affairs. As a self-sustaining entity, VCS provides merchandise and services to Veterans enrolled in VA’s Health Care System, their families, caregivers, VA employees, volunteers and visitors. We are honored to “give back” to the VA through many programs established for the health and well-being of our nation’s heroes. Revenues generated from VCS are used to support a variety of Veteran programs.

Health & Wellness Expo:

The annual National Veterans Golden Age Games Health & Wellness Expo promotes our motto of “Fitness for Life” to approximately 800 senior American Veterans and many VA clinicians who attend the Games. The Expo enhances the athlete experience and provides you with an interactive opportunity to feature a sampling of various demonstrations, displays and products that can help our senior Veterans maintain their active lifestyles.

Volunteers donating their time and talents are essential to the success of the National Veterans Golden Age Games. Several opportunities will be available to help with everything from sporting events to hospitality services. Events will take place at the Alliant Energy Center and surrounding community venues, to include the Dane County Regional Airport. Volunteers must be 14 years of age or older, unless accompanied by a parent or guardian for the entire duration of the volunteer shift.

2019 Award Recipients

Athlete Hall of Fame Inductee: Juan Mercado
George Gangi Award Recipient: Richard Olwig
VCS Inspiration Award Recipient: William Green III
Whole Health Award Recipient: Tomora Shannon

Stories from the NVGAG

Ira Walton turns 96 years old this year, the oldest particpant and he’s become the unofficial face of the Golden Age Games! This year, his family surprised him at the games! Thanks to Central Texas VA Health Care System for sending him our way! Learn More

Father, Ed Gayagas — despite battling cancer — made it to the games to participate all out and cheer for his daughter, Crissy Gayagas. The Hawaii duo spread cheer and collected medals at the 2018 National Veterans Golden Age Games. Learn More

United States Air Force Veteran Rae Carlers recently retired to Charleston, South Carolina. In 2015, she says she experienced back pain so severe she could hardly move and spent most of her time on the couch. Last week, she won a bronze medal in pickleball at the 32nd National Veterans Golden Age Games. She credits doctors at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center with introducing her to complementary medicines, like acupuncture, Tai Chi and aromatherapy; and helping her lead an active, healthy life. She is a shining example of the Golden Age Games’ motto – “Fitness for Life”! Go Rae! Learn More

U.S. Army Veteran Victor Rivera took the gold medal in 50 m breaststroke and silver medal in 50 m backstroke at the 32nd National Veterans Golden Age Games in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Learn More

Vietnam Veteran Tina Sangillo of VA Maine Healthcare System was one of nearly 170 female Veterans participating in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ National Veterans Golden Age Games. Learn more

#NVGAG #Sports4Vets #WomenVeterans

Waco Veteran Still Slamming at 95

It’s a rare individual who served his country in the military during three wars. The 95-year-old Walton won two Bronze Stars for meritorious service in combat zones and achieved the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 3 during a 31-year Army career that spanned World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. Read More

National Veterans Golden Age Games