Fear to tread

The games showcased the indomitable spirit of Veterans, each demonstrating resilience and determination, whether in wheelchairs, with prosthetics, or supported by canes.

Bryant, however, stood out as a shining example of determination and excellence at the games. Unknown to others, just a few months prior, she had been unable to swim.

Bryant had proudly served in the U.S. Air Force for 20 years, 17 days, and 10 months. She had tackled quite a few challenges in her life, but one she always had wanted to do was learn to swim. With the opportunities offered through VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System (TVHS) Recreational Therapy, she leapt at the chance to finally learn how. 

For Bryant, the pool was the ultimate adversary because she was afraid of drowning. 

“I came to aqua therapy, because I’ve always wanted to learn how to swim,” said Bryant. “When I first met Sarah Howard, I bet she thought that I was a Veteran who would not make it.”

Sarah Howard, a recreational therapist with TVHS, leads the aqua therapy class and other recreational classes. Howard’s candor and kindness were the perfect guides to help support Bryant's concerns and fears. She encouraged Bryant to trust herself and overcome her fear of being in the water.

True to her commitment, Bryant continued to put her head into the water and learn. She pushed past the fear, the doubt, and the bubbles to become better. The slow evolution was not just physical, but also her trust in herself.

“After each class, I became more and more comfortable in the water,” Bryant said. “Howard was confident in me long before I did myself. She introduced me to VA’s Golden Age Games as a potential place for me to compete.”

Howard has worked with Veterans across different generations, services, and skill levels. It is her drive and commitment to help Veterans improve their own physical and mental health, which encouraged her to recommend Bryant to the Golden Age Games.

“Bryant’s experience started with wanting to learn how to swim; however, it grew once we started working together,” Howard said. “Over time, I challenged her to do more, which included joining Team Valor and competing in the National Golden Age Games.” 

The National Golden Age Games is a competition created by VA in 1985 to inspire programs that promote healthy aging, physical fitness, and recreational activities. Veterans must be 55 years or older and enrolled in VA health care to register in the competition. This year’s event, the 39th Annual National Golden Age Games, took place in Memphis, Tennessee, a four-hour drive from Alvin C. York VA Medical Center.

Bryant joined Team Valor, 18 Veterans from TVHS, and competed at this year's Golden Age Games. More than 14 first-time participants in the Golden Age Games made up Team Valor, and they performed remarkably, earning 18 medals and five ribbons.

Bryant’s success demonstrates the importance of TVHS’ recreational therapy. These different programs provide Veterans with opportunities for health and healing through adaptive recreational classes and therapeutic art programs. These specialized rehabilitation events aim to optimize Veterans’ independence, community engagement, well-being, and quality of life.  

“Recreational therapy is all about meeting the Veteran where they are and helping them find joy in life again. My personal goal for recreational therapy is to get a Veteran moving and enjoying life, but each Veteran will identify their own goals they would like to work towards,” said Howard.

Bryant encourages all Veterans to seek out a recreational therapy to help them overcome their own limitations and fears. 

“Aqua Therapy is not just for swimmers, it is for everyone, no matter your physical capacity, size, or shape,” Bryant said. “I still thank God for the opportunity and share with as many Veterans as I can. Go to aqua therapy, you will not be disappointed.”