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).

Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
Veterans of Foreign Wars and Ladies Auxiliary (VFW/LA)
Veterans Canteen Service (VCS)

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.

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 six age categories for participation, 55-59; 60-64; 65-69; 70-74; 75-79, and 80 and up. Additionally, veterans with visual impairments and those who use wheelchairs may compete in the Visually Impaired or Wheelchair Divisions.

Dewayne Vaughan, National Director, NVGAG, (202) 745-8615
Sherilyn Fails Co-Chair, NVGAG Local Organizing Committee, (405)270-1571
Susan Bishop, Co-Chair, NVGAG Local Organizing Committee, (405) 270-0105, X 3487

Jenny Shafer Tankersley, NVGAG Public Affairs Coordinator (757) 728-3450
Joe Davis, VFW Director of Communications & Public Affairs (202) 608-8357
Pam Ecker, VCS VA Rehab Special Events Coordinator (314) 845-1210