Applications to be accepted for 2017 National Veterans Golden Age Games
Event Takes Place in Biloxi, May 7-11
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will accept applications from Veterans interested in
competing in the 2017 National Veterans Golden Age Games beginning Feb. 1. Veterans ages 55 and older
and enrolled in VA health care may complete applications online at www.veteransgoldenagegames.va.gov.
Applications will be accepted through March 1.
“VA is committed to offer sports and fitness as an integral part of a successful healthcare program, and I
encourage every eligible Veteran to take advantage of this opportunity,” said Carla Carmichael, National
Veterans Golden Age Games director. “There are significant health benefits to leading an active lifestyle, and
in keeping with the Games motto, we want every Veteran to achieve 'Fitness For Life.’”
The 2017 National Veterans Golden Age Games will take place in Biloxi, Mississippi, May 7-11. Nearly
800 athletes are expected to compete in the national multi-sport competition for senior Veterans, embracing
the “Fitness for Life” motto. The event encourages participants to make physical activity a central part of
their lives, and supports VA’s comprehensive recreation and rehabilitation therapy programs. Competitive
events include air rifle, badminton, boccia, bowling, cycling, golf, horseshoes, nine ball, powerwalk,
shuffleboard, swimming, table tennis, and track and field. Exhibition events include: air pistol, archery,
basketball, blind disc golf and pickleball.
VA research and clinical experience verify that movement and exercise are important to maintaining
good health, speeding recovery and improving overall quality of life. The games encourage participants to
continue in local senior events in their home communities and every other year serve as a qualifying event
for competition in the National Senior Games. VA Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System will host this
year’s games. The Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System provides care for more than 50,000 Veterans
throughout Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida.
For more information visit www.veteransgoldenagegames.va.gov and follow VA Adaptive Sports on
Twitter at @VAAdaptiveSport or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/vaadaptivesports.
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Media Inquiries:
Michael Molina
National Veterans Sports Programs & Special Events
(202) 230-2144