The Games are open to Veterans, ages 55 or older, who receive health care from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Thank you for your interest in the 34th National Veterans Golden Age Games. Due to venue space limitations, we, unfortunately, are not able to expand capacity for the event.
Registration is now closed as we have reached our maximum capacity of athletes. There was a record number of 1,200 applications from 49 states in a record 2 ½ hours. The interest in the National Veterans Golden Age Games is well beyond the interest we’ve had in the past as demonstrated by this year’s quick response by many to register immediately. If you were unable to register, and are interested in participating next year, the 35th National Veterans Golden Age Games will be held in Tampa, Florida – July 10-15, 2021.
The National Veterans Golden Age Games team will continue to evaluate all options to see how we can accommodate as many Veterans as possible for future events. We look forward to serving you.
NVGAG Partner Finder
If you plan to participate in the following team sports and need a partner:
- Please click on the partner request entry for your sport below.
- It is the responsibility of the athlete to make contact with other athletes. The NVGAG will not put together teams or form partnerships.
- When you post your entry, you are agreeing that your information will be shared with other athletes/coaches.
- Once you have found a partner please email the national team to remove your name from the list.
PARTNER REQUEST (click on the sport below):
VIEW PARTNER LISTINGS (click on the sport below):
Once the pairings have been made please ensure to include your partner within the online registration on March 2, 2020. Please note: registration is based on a first come first serve basis. Athletes are encouraged to register early. Registration will close when the event has met the maximum allowable number of participants. The NVGAG cannot register your partner if they do not register before the maximum number of participants has been met.
[/su_column] [/su_row]2020 Madison Visitor Guide:
www.visitmadison.com
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.
| SPORT | RULES | GOVERNING BODY |
| AIR PISTOL | 2020 Air Pistol Rules | USA Shooting |
| AIR RIFLE | 2020 Air Rifle Rules | USA Shooting |
| BADMINTON | 2020 Badminton Rules | USA Badminton |
| BASKETBALL | 2020 Basketball 3 on 3 Rules | National Collegiate Athletic Association |
| BOCCIA | 2020 Boccia Rules | USA Boccia |
| BOWLING | 2020 Bowling Rules | United States Bowling Congress |
| CYCLING | 2020 Cycling Rules | USA Cycling |
| DISC GOLF | 2020 Blind Disc Golf Rules | Professional Disc Golf Association |
| GOLF | United States Golf Association | |
| HORSESHOES | 2020 Horseshoes Rules | National Horseshoe Pitcher’s Association |
| NINE BALL | 2020 Nine Ball Rules | Billiard Congress of America |
| PICKELBALL | 2020 Pickleball Rules | USA Pickleball Association |
| POWER WALK | 2020 Power Walk Rules | United States Power Walk Association |
| SHUFFLEBOARD | 2020 Shuffleboard Rules | National Shuffleboard Association |
| SWIMMING | 2020 Swimming Rules | United States Masters Swimming, Inc. |
| TABLE TENNIS | 2020 Table Tennis Rules | USA Table Tennis |
| TRACK & FIELD | 2020 Field Throws Rules | USA Track & Field |
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. If you are unable to be in attendance, but would still like to contribute, you may make a financial or in-kind donation that will be acknowledged at the commensurate sponsorship level as identified in the 2020 NVGAG Sponsorship Packet. You may submit your sponsorship commitment by completing the 2020 NVGAG Sponsorship Form.
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. For more information and/or if you are interested in serving as an exhibitor for the 2020 NVGAG Health & Wellness Expo, to be held on June 22, 2020 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, WI, please reference the 2020 NVGAG Expo Exhibitor Registration Packet.
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.
Volunteer registration for the 2020 NVGAG will be available soon. To be added to our email group to receive updates, please email us at NVGAGVolunteers@va.gov. We look forward to your support of our Nation’s senior Veterans in Madison!
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
Veteran Profile Videos from the 2019 NVGAG
2019 Closing Ceremonies Video
Meet Betty: 80 going on 39
Bernard Cambia is Fit for Life
Marine Corps Veteran, Walter Wojcik
Tina Sangillo
More NVGAG Videos
2017 NVGAG – Biloxi, MS
Life Lessons – Maxine Boman
WWII Veteran shows gold medal skills
Army Veteran finds wellness at the NVGAG
May 11 – 17, 2017 – Billoxi, MS