Veterans, Volunteers and VA Staff Enjoy a Day of Fun and Fitness at the Adaptive Sports Invitational

Approximately 90 Veterans participated in a wide variety of adaptive sports, movement, and social activities, such as badminton, yoga, pickleball, taekwondo, board games, bingo, dance, wheelchair basketball and fencing, and beep baseball. Veteran participation more than doubled from last year, with Veterans who traveled from as far as Ventura, Loma Linda, and Long Beach to attend. 

Beep baseball, also known as beep ball, is an adaptive version of baseball for the blind, low-vison and legally blind, and a new addition to the invitational this year. As the name suggests, the ball used to play is bigger and lighter than a traditional baseball and has a sound mechanism inside that emits a steady “beep” sound to help players locate the ball. 

Sighted and partially sighted players also participate with blindfolds, that are used to level the playing field making this a truly inclusive sport. 

“The great thing about team sports and recreation is that it connects the most diverse people through shared interests, beyond their ethnicity, political affiliation, race, or gender. It helps build a positive social support system, builds camaraderie, and builds authentic connections with others, which is critical for dealing with life’s challenges,” said Myisha Jones, Supervisory Recreation Therapist.

According to this 2022 study, “Acute Influence of an Adaptive Sporting Event on Quality of Life in Veterans with Disabilities,” participation in physical activities has shown to induce both physical and mental benefits and improve quality of life for Veterans.

“It is common for someone with a disability, especially blindness, to become isolated,” said Ted Zadourian, Supervisory Blind Rehab Specialist. “When we introduce Veterans to adaptive sports, we are not only helping them regain a level of activity, but we are also giving them an opportunity to be a part of a team and engage in an activity they can look forward to. Many sports can be adapted for individuals with vision loss. We can change the color of a ball, paddle, or golf club, and incorporate other sensory cues such as sounds, like in goalball and beep baseball.”

Richard Cooks, Army Veteran and former VAGLAHS employee, said he had three strokes in 2016 which affected his sight and mobility, but it hasn’t slowed him down. He enjoyed many of the activities at the Adaptive Sports Invitational including beep ball. 

In addition to the invitational, Cooks said he also plans to attend many of the National Games including the Winter Sports Clinic, the Creative Arts Festival, the Golden Age Games, the Summer Sports Clinic and the Golf Clinic. 

The event has an impact that is felt long after it ends.

“The Adaptive Sports Invitational is a catalyst for change in our Veteran communities, where they can tap into resources they can engage in year-round, with community partners and with the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service,” said Jones.

At the Adaptive Sports Invitational, Cooks also received a Spirit Award that comes with a certificate signed by VAGLAHS leadership recognizing his sportsmanship and competitive spirit.

“Don’t give up. Whatever your situation is, keep working at it,” said Cooks, regarding his struggles and success with adaptive sports. “You might get frustrated but stay positive and don’t give up.”

To learn more about how to participate in the next Adaptive Sports Invitational, please reach out to your recreation therapy section for more information at 310-478-3711 ext. 43578. To learn more on how to participate in the national games please reach out to your recreation therapist on how to qualify and for details about the application process or visit https://department.va.gov/veteran-sports/.