Championing Resilience Through Adaptive Sports
Kim Kobayashi-Elliott, a recreational therapist in the Spinal Cord Injury Unit at the San Diego VA Medical Center, has been a source of support and inspiration for countless Veterans navigating life after injury.
Her commitment to helping Veterans rediscover their potential through sports and physical activity is exemplified through her work with Juan "Johnny" Sandoval, a U.S. Navy Veteran who sustained a spinal cord injury in 2001. Under her guidance, Sandoval was introduced to the National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic, an annual event in San Diego.
Sandoval attended the sports clinic for the first-time last year. He credits the clinic, and Kim's support, with changing his life for the better. "From my experience, it's a boost of confidence. It changed my quality of life," he said. "I get to interact with other Veterans who have the same injuries. We're one big family here, and having all these avenues to find out what you can or can't do makes you a stronger and better person."
This year, Kim will once again support her Veterans at the Summer Sports Clinic as they engage in activities that push their physical and mental boundaries. "Whatever they need, whether it's a wheelchair transfer, help getting into their room, or moving their luggage from Point A to Point B, we're there," highlighting her dedication to her Veterans. "We also encourage them at every event, cycling, surfing, kayaking, sailing, and adaptive fitness. We go to each event, and we stay with our team, making sure they have the support they need to succeed."
Kim's belief in the transformative power of staying active is at the heart of her work. She understands that physical activity is crucial for the mental and physical well-being of her Veterans, and she works tirelessly to create opportunities for them to thrive. "This is an absolutely phenomenal time to not just get out of your comfort zone but to try something new," she explains. "Most importantly, it's the camaraderie of being around other Veterans who've been there and done that. Experiencing something together is really pretty amazing. The events themselves are incredible, but the real benefit comes from finding another battle buddy or someone you connect with, that can last long beyond the clinic."
Through her dedication, Kim Kobayashi-Elliott is not just helping Veterans like Johnny adapt to life after injury—she's empowering them to reclaim their lives and thrive.