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From Surf to Sport: VA New England Summer Sports Clinic Unites Veterans Through Movement and Motivation

Veterans participate in the cycling portion of the VA New England Summer Sports Clinic on the East Bay Bike Path in Barrington, Rhode Island.
Veterans participate in the cycling portion of the VA New England Summer Sports Clinic on the East Bay Bike Path in Barrington, Rhode Island.

By Justyn Charon, Public Affairs Specialist

The 2025 VA New England Summer Sports Clinic brought five days of energy, empowerment, and camaraderie to Veterans from across the region, with events held throughout Rhode Island from July 21–25.

Hosted in collaboration with a network of incredible community partners, the clinic provided Veterans with the opportunity to engage in adaptive sports that support both physical recovery and mental well-being.

The week kicked off with a Golf Expo at Button Hole Golf Course, followed by an Opening Ceremony at the Crowne Plaza, where teams were introduced and the tone was set for a week of resilience, learning, and fun.

Over the next several days, Veterans rotated through activities including:
• Surfing at Second Beach with AmpSurf
• Sailing with Sail to Prevail at Fort Adams State Park
• Cycling and Kayaking at Brickyard Pond with Northeast Passage, Adaptive Adventures, and NEHSA
• And an exciting Sports Day at Johnson & Wales University, capping off the week with team-based challenges and adaptive recreation.

A highlight of the week came on Tuesday, July 22, when VA Providence Director Lawrence Connell and VISN 1 Network Director Ryan Lilly attended the surfing sessions at Second Beach. Director Connell later delivered remarks at the Closing Ceremony, reflecting on the powerful role of adaptive sports in transforming lives, building community, and demonstrating the strength and spirit of our Veterans.

VA Providence extends heartfelt thanks to Jenny Vulpis, whose tireless coordination brought this event to life, as well as to all the volunteers and partner organizations who made each moment meaningful—from the shoreline to the sports field.

Together, we proved once again: healing doesn’t just happen in hospitals—it happens in the waves, on the trails, and in the bonds we build along the way.