On your Mark, Get Ready, and Go to the National Games!
If only it were that simple. Veterans from the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System undergo rigorous training to prepare for these events with their rehabilitation therapists, and employees assist with the planning and execution of the National games to help them run smoothly.
This includes promoting local registration and participation, site visits, providing support on site, and training and cheering on our Veterans!
“Adaptive sports can play a crucial role in the physical rehabilitation process,” said Dr. Blessen Eapen, chief of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&RS). “They help Veterans improve their strength, endurance, flexibility, and overall physical health. Engaging in these activities can aid in recovering from injuries and regaining mobility.”
Recreation therapists Brenna Partridge, Claudia Ramirez, Patrick Gregorio and 11 Veterans from the Los Angeles VA recently attended the National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic in Snowmass, Colorado. There, Veterans received ski or snowboarding lessons and participated in different sports including sled hockey, curling, snowmobiling, fly fishing, rock climbing, kayaking, scuba diving, as well as social events and educational groups.
“These are beautiful times for people to grow as individuals and build relationships with others,” said Partridge. “Adaptive sports bring people together but also helps people build positive skills moving forward in their lives.”
There are five national games for adaptive sports. In addition to the National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic, there is also the National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic, the National Veterans Golden Ages Games, the National Veterans Wheelchair Games, and the National Disabled Veterans Golf Clinic.
“The idea is for them to find things that can be fun and become coping strategies,” said Partridge. “It provides a confidence booster that gives them new energy for life and activities and helps Veteran overcome barriers.”
This year, recreation therapists Gregorio and Rennie Quesada took 14 Veterans to Des Moines, Iowa for the Golden Age Games, which is for Veterans age 55 and older. The Golden Age Games features activities such as track and field, swimming, ping pong and basketball. The motto ‘Fitness for Life’ emphasizes the importance of senior Veterans living an active and healthy lifestyle. At these games, rehabilitation therapists coach Veterans from their local VA, and participants compete for the gold, silver, and bronze medals.
“Yes, it’s a competition. Some take it a little more seriously than others,” said Quesada or ‘Coach Rennie’ as he is known to his team. “It’s also a beautiful thing to see them smile, laugh, and enjoy themselves. I love to see the camaraderie and friendships that are developed.”
Otis Hopson, an Army Veteran 76 years young, recently attended the Golden Age Games, and has been going since 2017. “There are quite a few Veterans I’ve stayed in touch with. We’ve competed against each other before. We had lunch and dinner every night and whenever we got a chance to meet up, we did,” said Hopson. “I think it was the best thing VA could have done to keep us active and motivated and we look forward to it every year.”
Hopson has won the gold at the Golden Ages Games in the 100, 200 and 400 meter races since 2018.
“Being 76, and legally blind, I was afraid of competing with Veterans with visual acuity better than mine. I did train extra hard all year. I wasn’t sure I could compete with the guys,” said Hopson. “When I won, it felt great, that was my attitude since day one. I was upset with myself if I did less than gold this year. I knew I could do it again.”
His son, also named Otis, surprised him at the Golden Age Games this year to cheer him on. “I wasn’t expecting him to come visit me, and I felt great having him there. He kept me inspired and I enjoyed his company,” said Hopson. “My grandson is also my inspiration. I would pick him up from school and we would run around the track field together, and he still thinks he can outrun me.”
To learn more on how to participate in the National games, please reach out to your recreation therapy section for more information on how to qualify and for details about the application process or visit https://department.va.gov/veteran-sports/ for more information.