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What:
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.
When:
August 20 - 24, 2008
Where:
Indianapolis, Indiana
For more information click here to visit the Indianapolis Convention & Visitors Association website **
Who:
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 (NVGAG).
Sponsors:
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
Help Hospitalized Veterans (HHV)
Veterans Canteen Service (VCS)
Why:
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. The NVGAG became a qualifier for the National Senior Games, a partner in the U. S. Olympics Committee, in 2004.
Events:
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 and 85 and up. Additionally, veterans with visual impairments and those who use wheelchairs may compete in the Visually Impaired or Wheelchair Divisions.
Host:
Richard L Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, Ind.
Contact:
Dewayne Vaughan, National Director, NVGAG, (202) 745-8615
Linda Jeffrey, Local Coordinator, NVGAG, (317) 988-4475
Media Contacts:
Jenny Tankersley Ballou, National Public Affairs Coordinator, NVGAG, (757) 728-3450
Mark Masser, Local Public Affairs Coordinator, NVGAG, (317) 988-2310
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