Registration to Open in June for Second Annual Koa Challenge

This event was designed to give Veterans who have been referred to the 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. VAPIHCS plans to hold the second annual Koa Challenge from November 12 to November 16, 2024. There are more event categories offered this year, and registration will be held from June 1 to June 30, 2024. 

“Recreation Therapy is important because it looks at the whole person,” said Recreation Therapy Supervisor Melissa Crawford. “When a Recreation Therapist is assessing a Veterans, they look at five key areas, which are spiritual, emotional, physical, cognitive, and social. We look at what the provider has put in for their medical needs for services, but then we also look to what the Veteran has done in terms of leisure activities in the past, what they are doing now, and what they want to do.” 

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 leisure activities no matter what challenges they face. 

“We may see that a Veteran has not been doing some activity they once enjoyed due to a shoulder injury,” Crawford said. “We take that information on what a Veteran used to enjoy, and then figure out how to adapt that activity for them in their current situation.”

Crawford explained that sometimes the problem is as simple as a Veteran being isolated. They may not be able to engage in a game of cards or a racquetball game because they have no one to play with. Connection is one of the dimensions they consider. Therefore, they work to find someone else who enjoys the same activities and introduce them, thus eliminating the mental burden of loneliness and isolation in the life of that Veteran. 

“What was most rewarding about the Koa Challenge Veteran Games last year was seeing how far participants had come,” Crawford said. “Some of them had been admitted to the Community Living Center for short-term rehab, and throughout the year they made significant gains. Then, at the end of the year, we could see them participating in these games that showcased them and all their rehab goals. That was very meaningful for me.”

Veterans not currently referred to the Recreation Therapy program can complete their Koa Challenge application and follow up with their PCP for Recreation Therapy consult and medical clearance. They will need a referral to Recreation Therapy to compete. Make an appointment now by calling 1-800-214-1306. We’re excited to begin signups for the 2nd annual Koa challenge. Signups will be open for the entire month of June, and the Koa Challenge will take place from November 12th through November 16th, 2024.