Veterans “Golden Age Games” registration opens soon

The nation’s only sports competition aimed at improving the life of veterans 55 and older will be opening for registration next week. 

The 2020 National Veterans Golden Age Games opens March 2, 2020, at 12 p.m. ET. and will remain open until the maximum number of applicants have registered. To be eligible, veterans must be age 55 or older and receive VA health care. 

The Games will run from June 22nd to the 27th in Madison, Wisconsin and will be hosted by the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital. The competition will include events like air pistol, air rifle, badminton, basketball, boccia, bowling, cycling, disc golf, golf, horseshoes, nine ball, pickleball, power walk, shuffleboard, swimming, table tennis, and track and field.

As the premier senior adaptive rehabilitation program in the country, The National Veterans Golden Age Games hopes to encourage participants to compete and participate in local events in their community in addition to the Golden Age Games. This year, the Golden Age Games are a qualifying event for the 2021 National Senior Games in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. 

“For 34 years, VA has been hosting the National Veterans Golden Age Games as a rehabilitation event dedicated to the health and well-being of our nation’s Veterans 55 and older,” said Carla Ruff, director of the National Veterans Golden Age Games, according to VAntage Point.

“In keeping with the Games’ motto – ‘Fitness for Life’ – we want to encourage every Veteran to apply and make activity and fitness an integral part of their lives.”

More than 1,000 people are expected to volunteer during the Games and related events. Volunteer opportunities will range from sporting events to hospitality services and will take place in locations such as Madison’s Alliant Energy Center, the Madison Marriott West hotel, the Dane County Regional Airport, Madison and Middleton hotels, and other surrounding community venues.

Volunteer registration will open in April. Anyone interested in donating their time can email [email protected] to receive more information and updates.