Veterans from James A. Haley Hospital Participated and Won at the 2025 National Veterans Golden Age Games

This year, ten Veterans who receive care from James A. Haley VA Medical Center participated in games like shuffleboard, basketball free throw, shot put, javelin, discus, air rifle, billiards, swimming, horseshoes, and cornhole.

"The Veterans felt connected and proud of themselves and their teammates," said Hallie Smith, a Recreation Therapist at James A. Haley VA Medical Center. "It was amazing to see them support each other in their competitions. Our practices and games-built friendships, confidence, and wellness for Veterans."

This year's event saw the largest participation ever, with over 1,000 Veterans, including more than 290 women Veterans. This gave Veterans a special chance to appreciate each other's sacrifices and dedication.

"The camaraderie among the athletes was beyond what I expected. I was confident it would be great, but it was simply AMAZING!" said Victor Rivera, a Golden Age Games Hall of Famer. "This is my 16th year participating. It's great to practice with the team and meet other Veterans, where we build bonds, get good exercise, and of course, win!"

To prepare for the games, Veterans had to go through a long registration process, attend team meetings, participate in independent and group practice, and get medical clearance from their providers.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs started the National Veterans Golden Age Games in 1985. The games highlight "Fitness for Life" and support the year-round training and sports programs offered to Veterans at VA facilities nationwide. These events inspire Veterans of all abilities to lead healthier lives through sports.

"Our Veterans are very passionate about the sports they choose, but some also enjoy trying new things every year," said Smith. “This year we also had athletes compete in Field events for the first time since high school, reigniting previous sporting interests and establishing independent fitness routines as preparation for their events. “ v

Based on VA research and expertise, the Golden Age Games have helped thousands of Veterans and trained hundreds of VA rehabilitation providers across more than 125 VA healthcare facilities. Local VA facilities support Veterans in participating in recreational sports and fitness programs all year round. The Golden Age Games are sponsored by the VA and Veterans Canteen Service (VCS).

Veterans at this year's NVGAG were treated to a Memphis Redbirds baseball game for the closing ceremony of the week-long event.

The next NVGAG event is set to take place in Tampa, Florida, in June 2026.

For additional content from the 39th NVGAG, [click here].

#TeamTampa Medals/Awards Tally

10 - Gold

6 - Silver

4 - Bronze

3 - 4th Place

4 - 5th Place

1- 6th Place

2- 7th Place

Team Tampa Athletes names and sporting events: 

Cyril “C’J” Dore 

Track: 50M, 100 M

Pickleball- Doubles & Mixed Doubles

Table Tennis

Cornhole

Exhibition Volleyball

Donna Ramirez 

Field: Shot Put, Javelin, Discus

Bowling

Horseshoes

Pickleball- Doubles & Mixed Doubles

Exhibition Volleyball

Kattrina “Tina” Sangillo

Shuffleboard

Horseshoes

Bowling

Cornhole

Air Rifle

Leon Tabb

Field: Javelin, Discus, Shot Put

Horseshoes

Table Tennis

Bowling

Cornhole

Margaret “Rain” Rains

Billiards

Air Rifle

Air Pistol

Exhibition ESports

Mary Dixon

Power Walk

Swimming- 100, 50 Breaststroke

Sandra Bermudez 

Shuffleboard

Basketball Free Throw

Pickleball- Doubles & Mixed Doubles

Air Pistol

Air Rifle

Thomas “Tom” O’Donnell

Field: Shot Put, Discus, Javelin

Table Tennis

Basketball Free Throw

Air Rifle

Swimming: 50 Backstroke, 100 Freestyle, 50 Breaststroke, 75 IM

Exhibition Powerlifting

Exhibition Ninja Course

Thomas Sheppard

Shuffleboard

Billiards

Basketball Free Throw

Cornhole

Air Rifle

Exhibition Fishing

Victor Rivera

Cornhole

Air Rifle

Boccia

Swimming: 50 Breaststroke, 75 IM, 25 Freestyle, 50 Backstroke

Shuffleboard