Your courage, your determination and your drive all led you to serve America proudly. Those same characteristics will also lead to satisfaction and success in adaptive sports. Veterans of all ages and abilities report better health, new friendships and a better quality of life when participating in adaptive sports. Veterans with disabilities who are physically active simply have more fun! To get started, take some time to review the many sports opportunities available to you by reaching out to your VA clinical team and checking out this website. Get started by learning how Veterans with disabilities can benefit from adaptive sports. Check out th e website and if you still have questions, contact us at sports4vets@va.gov.
The Grants for Adaptive Sports Programs for Veterans and Servicemembers with disabilities (ASG Program) provides grant funding to organizations to increase and expand the quantity and quality of sustainable adaptive sport activities that Veterans and Servicemembers with disabilities have to participate in physical activity including those for mental health issues within their home communities, as well as more advanced Paralympic and adaptive sport programs at the regional and national levels.
Interested in becoming a Paralympic athlete? The VA National Veterans Sports Programs & Special Events Office provides a monthly assistance allowance for Veterans with disabilities training in Paralympic sports, as well as certain Veterans with disabilities selected for or competing with the national Olympic Team, as authorized by 38 U.S.C. 322(d) and Section 703 of the Veterans’ Benefits Improvement Act of 2008.
Outside Prison
Extraordinary Things
Golden Age Games
…Using Golf!
I Am a Veteran
at the Winter Sports Clinic
Find more amazing video highlights on VA's YouTube Channel.
Visit the Special Events Playlist
National Events Pages
San Diego, CA - September 15 - 20, 2019
The Summer Sports Clinic offers adventure sports and recreational activities such as sailing, surfing, track and field events, kayaking and cycling (hand and tandem), to those who were recently injured. Complimenting the therapy provided in daily rehabilitation programs, the Clinic shares a glimpse of the many exciting recreational opportunities awaiting those Veterans who accept the challenge.
Registration: TBD
Contact:
Teresa Parks
(858) 642-6426
teresa.parks@va.gov
Anchorage, AK - June 5 - 10, 2019
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.
Registration: February 25 - March 8, 2019
Contact:
NVGAG National Staff
(202) 461-0429
Email NVGAG
Snowmass, CO - March 30 - April 6, 2019
The National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic has a new home. In partnership with Disabled American Veterans (DAV), we have moved our website to www.wintersportsclinic.org
Registration: August 1, 2018
Contact:
Teresa Parks
(970) 263-5040
teresa.parks@va.gov
Louisville, KY - July 11 - 16, 2019
Co-presented by the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Paralyzed Veterans of America, the National Veterans Wheelchair Games is a rehabilitation and wheelchair sports program empowering Veterans with spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, amputations, and other neurological injuries to live more active and healthy lives.
Registration: January 7 - April 15, 2019
Contact:
Dave Tostenrude
(206) 445-3519
david.tostenrude@va.gov
Kalamazoo, MI - October 28 – November 3, 2019
Co-presented by the Department of Veterans Affairs and the American Legion Auxiliary, the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival (NVCAF) is the celebration and grand finale stage show and art and writing exhibitions which are the culmination of talent competitions in art, creative writing, dance, drama and music for Veterans treated in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) national health care system.
Local Competition begins: January 1, 2019
Contact:
Amy Kimbler
amy.kimbler@va.gov
Iowa City, IA - September 8 - 13, 2019
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.
Registration: December 1, 2018 - May 1, 2019
Contact:
Kirt Sickels
(319) 358-5963
kirt.sickels@va.gov