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World's Largest Annual Sporting Event for Senior Veterans Begins

WASHINGTON, Aug. 19 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- More than 700 veterans from across the country have traveled toIndianapolis to compete in the largest sports and recreational competition for senior veterans in the world -- the 22nd National Veterans Golden Age Games -- which begins Aug. 20.

"The record number of veterans competing in this year's Golden Age Games inIndianapolis is a testament to the competitive spirit of our nation's heroes," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake. "There is no barrier, including age, to living an active and healthy life."

At the Golden Age Games, which runs Aug. 20-24, competition is open to all U.S. military veterans age 55 or older who receive care at any Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facility. Participants have the opportunity to compete in ambulatory, visually-impaired and wheelchair divisions, based on age groups. Events include swimming, bicycling, bowling, croquet, air rifle, golf, shuffleboard, horseshoes, discus and shot-put, among others.

The National Veterans Golden Age Games is the only national multi-event sports and recreational seniors' competition program for older veterans. It is designed to improve the quality of life for all older veterans, including those with a wide range of abilities and disabilities. For several of the competitive events, the Games serve as a qualifying competition for the 2009 National Senior Games, a member of the U.S. Olympic Committee.

The National Veterans Golden Age Games are co-sponsored by VA, Help Hospitalized Veterans (HHV) and the Veterans Canteen Service (VCS). This year's event is hosted by the Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center inIndianapolis.

The majority of the 2008 National Veterans Golden Age Games events, including opening and closing ceremonies, will be held at theIndiana Convention Center in downtownIndianapolis.

The opening ceremony will take place Aug. 20 at 7:00 p.m. Festivities include music, a color guard, a parade of competitors and the ceremonial lighting of the torch. The competition begins with golf on Thursday, Aug. 21, at 8:00 a.m., at Coffin Golf Course. Closing ceremonies will be held on Sunday, Aug. 24, at 7:00 p.m. Admission to all events is free to the public and the community is encouraged to attend.

For more information on the Golden Age Games, visit the Web site at: www.veteransgoldenagegames.va.gov, or call Jenny Tankersley Ballou, National Veterans Golden Age Games Public Affairs Coordinator, at (757) 728-3450 or (757) 254-6058.

For the latest news releases and other information, visit VA on the Internet at http://www.va.gov/opa. To receive e-mail copies of news releases, subscribe to VA's list server at: http://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/opalist_listserv.cfm.

SOURCE U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs