Veterans Golden Age Games to Take Place in Des Moines

• By Laurie Watanabe
• May 14, 2010

The annual National Veterans Golden Age Games will take place in Des Moines, Iowa, at the end of the month.

Showcasing the athletic talents of veterans 55 years and older, the Games are "the only national multi-event sports and recreational seniors' competition program designed to improve the quality of life for older veterans, including those with a wide range of abilities and disabilities," according to a news release.

Veterans 55 and older who receive health care at any VA medical facility are eligible, and some of the sporting events include wheelchair and visually impaired divisions. Several events "also serve as qualifiers for the National Senior Games," the news release says.

The events include swimming, cycling, golf, shot put, discus, 10-meter air rifle, table tennis, shuffleboard, horseshoes, nine-ball, bowling, croquet, dominoes and checkers.

This year's host is the VA Central Iowa Health Care System, and the event is encouraging both spectators (admission is free) and volunteers to provide support in various areas, including in the Medical Support category.

Click HERE to volunteer or HERE  for more information on event schedules -- the event runs from May 26 through May 31 -- and the history of the Games.

Says Jose Llamas, Office of National Programs & Special Events for the Department of Veterans Affairs, "With Veterans from World War II to the many Vietnam Veterans now entering their senior years, the Games encourage our nation's aging veterans to live a healthy lifestyle. With deserved focus and attention for returning Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom veterans, let's not forget to learn from and be inspired by our nation's great generation of veterans."