From Dependency to Independence: A Journey in VA Adaptive Sports
Many Veterans' lives have been improved by the North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System (NF/SG) Adaptive Sports Program. Air Force Veteran Christian Villarose is just one who knows how invaluable the program is and encourages others to participate.
The Adaptive Sports Program promotes health, well-being, and overall quality of life for Veterans with a disability or senior aged Veterans (age 55 or older). Veterans have a wide range of possibilities to choose from due to the numerous sport clinics that the program offers throughout the calendar year.
Villarose has advanced Parkinson's disease, which made it challenging for him to participate in most sports activities independently. After undergoing brain surgery, he is now fully capable of participating in all sports without assistance and is ready to take on his next sports challenge.
“This program has benefited me because the last time I was here I wasn’t in very good shape; I have advanced Parkinson’s even though I am so young. It was inspiring enough the little bit I was good at to come back for another year. I’ve been looking forward to this for redemption for the past year,” Villarose said.
The program offers an array of different sports activities in the summer, including archery, cycling, disc golf, fishing, kayaking, pickleball, and more. Two of Villarose's favorite activities are archery and disc golf; last year, his disability prevented him from participating in any other sport than archery.
“Archery was pretty much the only thing I could do because the medication would work, and then it wouldn’t work,” said Villarose. “Last year we did a kayak trip; I didn’t get to ride in my own kayak; someone had to help me, so this year I want to do it myself.”
Villarose has already experienced a great deal of improvement this year, and he plans to keep playing all the sports he desires now that he is able to. He expressed his interest in taking part in the Winter Sports Clinic that takes place in Snowmass, Colorado. “I’m a really good snowboarder, and I’m dying to get back out there and prove that I can still do that,” he said.
When asked about the Adaptive Sports Program, Villarose said, “I like the comradery; everyone’s been really cool and helpful; they’ve been really positive, especially last year when I really needed help; they work so much; it’s incredible what they do for us.”
Veteran success stories hold significant value, and we are pleased to know that the NF/SG Adaptive Sports Program has positively impacted another Veteran. We aspire to continue enhancing the lives of Veterans through our initiatives.
For more information on the NF/SGVHS, please visit VA North Florida/South Georgia Health Care | Veterans Affairs.