9 Veterans from the Orlando VA Healthcare System Adaptive Sports program bring home 17 medals and 4 ribbons from the 2023 Golden Age Games

Veterans came from across the country traveling from all 50 states and 2 territories. Nearly 600 Veterans aged 55 and over gathered in Des Moines, Iowa to participate in the 37th National Veterans Golden Age Games from May 20th-May 25th. There were over 19 sporting events and 3 exhibition sports which included kickball, virtual reality air rifle, and dominoes. “Orlando Warrior Team”, the team’s name coined by one of OVAHCS returning Veterans, was comprised of six novice Veterans and three returning Veterans. 

Orlando Warrior Team impressed many participants by collectively bringing home 17 medals and 4 ribbons. But for the Veterans, the games meant more than prizes.  

Orlando Warrior Team Veteran Tim Bates explained “I don’t see winning as the most important thing” with teammate Nelson Gonzalez adding “I embraced the opportunity to meet and engage with my teammates and coaches. I meet a lot of great people competing in these games; some I renew friendships with from last year, others were new faces.” 

Previously Gonzalez shared that he feels he is doing something healthy for his mind and his body. Teammate Robert Lee explained, “I have friends for life. Not only from Team Orlando but from Georgia, Texas, California, North and South Carolina, New Mexico, Indiana, etc. I feel as though I became part of a lifetime fraternity.”

Orlando Warrior Team stats include the following:

• Returning Navy Veteran, Tim Bates - received a gold medal in bowling, silver medal in golf, and 5th place in Field Discus.
• Army athlete, Myrta DeJesus - received the bronze medal in air rifle.  
• Returning Air Force Veteran, Robert Gawel - received gold medals in 25m backstroke and Boccia Ball Doubles, silver medal in 25m breaststroke and 50m backstroke, bronze medal in field discus and 25m freestyle swim, and 4th place ribbon in field shotput.
• Army/ Navy athlete, Tony Johnson - received a silver medal in bowling and bronze medal in table tennis. 
• Army athlete, Bernard Jones - received a 5th place ribbon in Basketball Free Throw.
• Army Veteran athlete, Nelson Gonzalez - received bronze medals in both Pickleball Men’s Doubles and Pickleball Mixed Doubles.
• Army athlete, Joseph Hickey - who received a 5th place ribbon in Golf.
• Army Athlete, Dan Kalagian - received a bronze medal in Pickleball Men’s Doubles and in Power Walking, beating his personal best time. 
• Marine athlete, Robert Lee - received a silver medal as part of the Blue Dragons 3 on 3 Basketball Team and bronze medal in Pickleball Men’s Doubles. 

In addition to the medals and ribbons mentioned above, the Veteran athletes competed in many other sporting events throughout the week.

Lee beautifully expressed his experience with the Orlando Adaptive Sports Program and at the Games.

“Being in the Adaptive Sports program has given me new hope in life. I feel like I am a part of a family of like-minded individuals who are doing life together whenever and wherever we can.” He goes on to say that “I had pretty much given up on the camaraderie that I once experienced during my entire military career. I am so honored and glad to be able to connect with other Veterans and those who support Veterans from Orlando and all around the Nation.”

OVAHCS Veteran athletes are currently participating in the National Veterans Golden Age Games AT Home competition which runs from June 1st – June 31st, 2023. 

Each year, the National Veterans Golden Age Games offers sports competitions and health education sessions for Veterans 55 years and older to assist senior Veterans live an active and healthy lifestyle. 

To learn more about the adaptive sports program, please e-mail Christina Lafex, Christina.Lafex@va.gov or Toshya Beckman Toshya.Beckman@va.gov.

 

Melanie Thomas, Public Affairs Officer

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