Koa Challenge Veteran Games 2024, Day Three

This event was designed to give Veterans who have been referred to the VAPIHCS Recreation Therapy program an opportunity to compete in several different tests of the mind and body. The third day of the games had the most events on one day, including adaptative fitness, basketball free throws, wheelchair slalom, archery, and horseshoes.

“Today is exciting because all the Veterans are here together,” said Advanced Medical Support Assistant (AMSA) Lisa Miller. “It’s nice to see everyone together socializing and having a good time.” 

Day three was held at the American Veterans (AMVETS) West Oahu Vet Center at 5001 Iroquois Avenue in Ewa Beach. The Veterans were all familiar with the location because they train there for most of the sports they play, and because many of them participate in the Big Tire Boot Camp which does the adaptive fitness program. Sign in began at 8 a.m. and most Veterans stayed until the end of the days’ games at 4 p.m. so that they could socialize and talk story. Lunch was provided at noon so they could stay all day without having to leave the center. 

“What I do as a coach is to help Veterans do the best they can with what they’ve got,” said Coach Alim Shabazz. “We help them stay strong, and that helps them with confidence and other aspects of their lives.” 

Some Veterans brought spouses or loved ones to watch them compete. Navy Veteran Greg Plum brought his wife Rhonda Plum, who said that his participation in the VAPIHCS Recreation Therapy program has completely changed his outlook on life. Prior to joining the program, he had little to look forward to. Now, he has somewhere to go to train each week, and a competition to look forward to each year. 

“The compassion of the Recreation Therapists is amazing,” said Greg Plum. “They are taking the concept of Whole Health -looking at the whole Veteran- and looking at ways to improve our lives. Sports help with mental health as well as physical health, and it’s really made a difference in my life since I joined the program. Even my daughter is impressed when she calls, because she says I sound better.” 

It was a windy day, and Veterans were happy to joke that the wind made their scores lower in everything from basketball to horseshoes and archery. However, they could all be seen smiling, talking story, and cheering each other on. During the wheelchair slalom, Ret. Navy Veteran Garrett Kuwada and Army Veteran Ipo Valdez cheered for each other. Veterans like Euguene Gold and Greg Plum cheered on their competitors in horseshoes, and the general mood was uplifting and joyful. 

“The thing that is special about what we do at VA is, we are inclusive,” said Ret. Navy Veteran and Coach L.V. Hall. “They had things they were good at and a brotherhood to be part of in the military, but when they get out, that’s gone. We give them structure, organization, and goals. And, we help them find things they are good at no matter what mental of physical challenges they have. It’s important to occupy their minds and bodies so they won’t go to a dark place sitting alone with their thoughts.” 

Remaining Events: 

• Pickleball and boccia ball Nov. 15, 2024, 8 a.m. – noon (HST) at Ewa Mahiko.
• Bowling Nov. 15, 2024, 1 – 4 p.m. (HST) at Barber’s Point.
• Cycling and closing ceremony Nov. 16, 2024, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. (HST)at the Daniel K. Akaka VA Clinic.