Local Veterans Participate in 39th Golden Age Games
By Abraham Essenmacher, Public Affairs Specialist
The 39th National Veterans Golden Age Games (NVGAG), took place in Memphis, Tenn., from May 31 to June 5, 2025, and included Veterans from Southwest Michigan in various events throughout the week.
This year, there was a total of eleven Veterans who receive care from Battle Creek VA Medical Center competing in various events including, shuffleboard, basketball free throw, shot put and javelin, air rifle, billiards, swimming, horseshoes, and cornhole.
“I hope they felt connected and had a sense of pride in themselves and their teammates while they we’re there and seeing them show up for each other in their competitions was really neat to witness,” said Randi Xuereb, Battle Creek VA Medical Center Recreation Therapist. “I feel like our team spent a lot more time together throughout the week than most of the other VA teams that attended, so that closeness feels like a significant benefit in my opinion.”
This years’ event has seen the largest participation from the Veteran community to date, with over one thousand Veterans competing throughout the week, including over 290 women Veterans. This allowed Veterans an additional chance to share in the uniqueness of their sacrifices and commitment to each other.
“The comradery between all the athletes was beyond what I expected and I confident that it would be great, but it was simply AMAZING!,” said U.S. Air Force Veteran Kyle Poehn, who had his right leg amputated in 2019, competed in two swimming events and is participating in the NVGAG’s for the first time. “Being able to compete makes these Games a great time, but the great rapport, support & friendship from my fellow Vets made these Games incomparable and very addictive.”
To prepare for the games, veterans are required to complete a lengthy registration process with National Veterans Golden Age Games, attend team meetings for Battle Creek VA Medical Center, attend a weekly training clinic to condition and practice their sports they are completing in, and get medically cleared by their provider.
“There are unlimited opportunities for disabled individuals, to compete, to learn, to have fun, to challenge themselves and to improve themselves,” said Poehn. “The VA system is definitely one of the leaders in providing its Veterans these types of opportunities.”
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs founded the National Veterans Golden Age Games in 1985. The games have long been celebrated as a premier rehabilitation event, showcasing the value of “Fitness for Life”, and complementing the year-round training and sports programs offered to Veterans at VA facilities nationwide. Through the medium of sports, these programs motivate Veterans of all abilities and disabilities to proactively embrace a healthier lifestyle.
“Our Veterans are very passionate about the sports that they choose to register for, but we also see some that enjoy trying new things here and there each year,” said Xuereb. “This program is a significant time and financial commitment and the Vets understand that so it’s planned for many months in advance for them to make sure they have a successful experience.”
Firmly based on VA clinical research and expertise, the Golden Age Games has served thousands of Veterans and trained hundreds of VA rehabilitation providers across more than 125 VA health care facilities. With the support of local VA facilities, Veterans can and should participate in recreational sports and fitness programs throughout the year. The Golden Age Games are sponsored by VA and Veterans Canteen Service (VCS).
Veterans who attended the NVGAG this year were treated to a Memphis Redbirds baseball game for the closing ceremony of the week-long event.
The next NVGAG’s event is already scheduled to take place in Tampa, Florida in June, 2026. For additional content from the 39th NVGAG's, follow this link.