Five VA Long Beach Veterans Competed at National Veterans Golden Age Games
VA Long Beach made their return to the 38th National Veterans Golden Age Games in Salt Lake City, Utah for the first time since 2019.
From August 24 – 29, Veterans from 92 VA’s across the nation met in Salt Lake City to compete in various sports. The Long Beach Sharks were composed of five Veteran athletes who represented VA Long Beach and were amongst the 826 total Veteran athletes who competed and were supported by nearly 2,0000 volunteers. The team took part in the ambulatory and wheelchair divisions and returned to California with four golds, one silver and three bronze medals. The Long Beach Sharks are already on the hunt for more medals, as they prepare for next year’s games in Memphis, Tennessee.
“Attending the Golden Age Games brought me alive! I loved the comradery and encouragement our team and coach gave each other. I will be going back home to get ready for the games in 2025!” said Wendy Clouser, an Army Veteran athlete who participated in the wheelchair division.
The Golden Age Games lasted for six days:
• Day 0: Athlete arrival and event registration check-in.
• Day 1: Event registration check-in continues, a health and wellness exposition, a parade of athletes and sport competitions begin.
• Day 2 - 5: Sport competitions and exhibition events.
• Day 6: Sports competitions wrap up and passing of the torch.
Founded in 1985, the Golden Age Games serves Veterans ages 55 and older. Through its “Fitness for Life” motto, the Golden Age Games offers athletic competitions and health education sessions to demonstrate the value that sports, wellness and fitness provide to assist Veterans with living an active and healthy lifestyle. The Golden Age Games is a qualifying event for the National Senior Games, a member of the U.S. Olympic Committee.
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).
Join the Sharks and see what it means to embrace the National Veterans Golden Age Game’s motto “Fitness For Life.” To learn more about The National Veterans Golden Age Games or to join The Long Beach Sharks, please contact Jessica Avila, Recreation Therapist at Jessica.Avila@va.gov
To view videos from the Golden Age Games, follow @Sports4Vets on X and Sports4Vets on Instagram, Sports4Vets on Facebook, search #GoldenAgeGames.
To view YouTube content, “The Gold Rush,” search #GoldenAgeGames