Maryland Warriors Bring Home Gold, Silver and Bronze!
Congratulations to the Maryland Warriors – the fierce and competitive team of Veterans from the VA Maryland Health Care System that participated in the National Veterans Golden Age Game held in Des Moines, Iowa last month.
Seven members of the team traveled to the competition along with coach Lauren Buckingham, a recreation therapist and the Adaptive Sports coordinator at the VA Maryland Health Care System. They competed against more than 700 Veterans from VA health care systems and medical centers throughout the nation in Olympic style events, bringing home a total of 15 medals.
Lenny McNair
GOLD in Men’s Air Rifle
GOLD in Boccia singles
Garfield Adams
GOLD in Men’s Pickleball, doubles
GOLD in Badminton, doubles
GOLD in Table Tennis
SILVER in Badminton, singles
Andre Copeland
BRONZE in Men’s Power Walking
Bernard Young
GOLD in Men’s 800 Meter Run
SILVER in Men’s 400 Meter Run
Odessa Scott
GOLD Women’s Free Throws
SILVER Women’s Power Walking
BRONZE Women’s Air Rifle
Renee Simmons
SILVER Women’s Free Throws
SILVER in Powerwalking
BRONZE in Air Rifle
Omar Woolridge was a worthy opponent; Coach Buckingham reports he narrowly missed earning a medal in 9-Ball and finished strong in other events.
This year’s Golden Age Games will continue later this month with the “at home” version of events. Warriors Lenny McNair and Constance Rosser will be competing in the 5K and 20K “at home” recumbent and standard cycling events on June 20 and 27.
Veterans receiving care at the VA Maryland Health Care System can participate in national VA rehabilitation events as well as a variety of local outpatient clinics and workshops. Visit VA Adaptive Sports and Arts and VA Maryland Health Care System Adaptive Sports and Creative Arts Therapy to learn more or call Lauren Buckingham (Adaptive Sports) at 443-421-6548 or Kelsey Eisenhauer (Creative Arts) at 410-585-4477.