Koa Challenge Veteran Games 2024, Day Two

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. Some of last year’s events include chess, horseshoes, pickle ball, and archery. This year there are several new events, including rock climbing. 

“I was an iron worker for 18 years,” said Army Veteran Mike Langdon. “Once I got over being up high, it was actually fun. I love climbing, so I’m really looking forward to participating in the competition today.” 

The 2nd Annual Koa Challenge runs from Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024, to Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. This year, it has been possible to expand the range of activities due to community partnerships. Locations offer free or discounted access to VAPIHCS, allowing for the games to be diverse and engaging while also using minimal funding. 

“All the community partners that have stepped up to help us are amazing, and we’re very grateful,” said Center for Development and Civic Engagement (CDCE) Chief Schoen Safotu. “I’m also grateful to VAPIHCS leadership. Dr. Robinson, Devin Woods, Andrew Freeman, and James Ingebredtsen have been supportive of allowing us to put these games together. Their support means a lot. I also really appreciate the hard-working folks in Recreation Therapy who helped with all the coordination and helping the Veterans train.” 

Veteran participants in the games have all been referred to the VAPIHCS Recreation Therapy program. There are many reasons that a primary care provider might want to refer a Veteran to the recreation therapy program. The Veteran may have mental health struggles that could be helped by participating in recreational activities. They may have sustained a serious illness, injury, or surgery and may benefit from recreation therapy to assist them in participating in sports. In one case during the first Koa Challenge, a Veteran who had lost his sight was helped by the recreation therapy program to learn to play horseshoes based on the sound of a therapist hitting the pole, which he would then aim for. The program helps Veterans to adapt and overcome, finding ways to enjoy sports and games no matter what challenges they face.

For the climbing event, VAPIHCS partnered with HI Climb in Honolulu, and with a charity called Adaptive Adventures. HI Climb and Adaptive Adventures had been working together to coordinate an adaptive climbing program, and VAPIHCS had Veterans who were eager to try climbing, or to get back into it. Adaptive Fitness is based in Colorado but sent a representative in person for the Koa Challenge. 

“It’s been about a year and a half that we have been working to get an adaptive fitness program set up here in Hawaii,” said Craig DeMartino of Adaptive Fitness. “We’re based in Denver, but my wife Cindy and I were excited to come out for the games.” 

DeMartino has been climbing for 34 years. After an accident, he lost his leg. That was what cultivated his interest in adaptive climbing. Since then, he’s worked to help others with unique challenges to find ways to enjoy climbing despite the obstacles they face. Many of the Veterans who competed had trained extensively to be able to compete. Others, like Army Veteran Mike Langdon, were just there to have fun. Whatever their reasons, Veterans coming together to exercise and build friendships is good for their minds and bodies. The powerwalking event will take place this afternoon at the Hickam track. 

Remaining Events: 

• Adaptive fitness, archery, basketball free-throws, horseshoes, and wheelchair slalom Nov. 14, 2024, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (HST) at American Veterans (AMVETS) West Oahu Vet Center.
• 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.