Koa Challenge Veteran Games 2024, Day Five

This event was designed to give Veterans who have been referred to the VAPIHCS Recreation Therapy program an opportunity to compete in several different tests of the mind and body. Cycling took place in the morning and was followed by a lunch for the participants and their families to celebrate the end of the games. 

“As a first-time participant, I’ve loved the Koa Challenge,” said Marine Corps Veteran and Volunteer Photographer Jackie Woolf. “I did archery this year, and it was really empowering. I love how encouraging and supportive all the other Veterans are. In many ways, it’s like being back in the military because you talk story and cheer each other on.” 

Ret. U.S. Army Veteran Karl Hall won the cycling competition with his wife Ret. U.S. Navy Veteran Carolynne Durant-Hall coming in right behind him in second place. The cycling was the most popular event because so many different types of adaptive bicycles exist, allowing all Veterans to take part regardless of their physical limitations. Many spouses and family members came to cheer the cyclists on, and to celebrate with the Veterans at the lunch afterwards. 

“This is Eugene’s first year competing in the Koa Challenge,” said spouse Judy Gold. “I never went with him to see him compete the games he’s done in the mainland. So, this is also my first time seeing him compete. His physical limitations are significant, but I want to give kudos to the recreation therapy staff because they’ve done a wonderful job being encouraging and finding ways for everyone to be included.” 

A delay in shipping meant there were no medals to hand out at the lunch following the cycling competition. However, a buffet was provided, as well as a DJ and a “photo booth” for Veterans to take pictures of each other. Some Veterans danced to the music. Others sat at tables talking and socializing. It was a chance for all this year’s Koa Challenge participants to hang out, make friends, and make plans to do other things together in the future. 

“Athletes, I want to thank all of you for coming,” said Recreation Therapy Supervisor Melissa Crawford. “Thank you for showing up and doing an amazing job all week. Thank you to our community partners as well, because we couldn’t have done this without them. I also want to thank the caregivers and the VA employees who worked to make this happen. Each and every one of us did our parts, and that’s what made this all come together.” 

For some Veterans, the Koa Challenge was just one of the things they have to look forward to. For others who are unable to travel off-island, the Koa Challenge is the only event they are able to attend, and their only excuse to get up and train every week and stay healthy and in shape. However, the games are beneficial to everyone. Even Veterans who travel off-island for the Invictus Games, the National Veterans Golden Aged Games, or the National Veterans Wheelchair Games, the Koa Challenge is different because the participants can meet other local Veterans who they can see more than once per year. It’s also a low-pressure event that allows for more fun and less serious competition. 

“I can’t fly off-island now that my wife has to be a full-time caregiver for our son,” said Ret. Air Force Veteran Garrett Kuwada. “At least this gives me a chance to still compete and get out and do something.  I really enjoy sports and I participated in every event I could this year. I look forward to next year.”