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> FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
>
> August 1, 2007

## 

## National Veterans Golden Age Games Set for Houston

> WASHINGTON -- From the East Coast to the West Coast, more than 500
> "golden age" veterans will travel to Houston to participate in the
> largest sports and recreational competition for senior veterans in the
> world. The 21^st^ National Veterans Golden Age Games, sponsored by the
> Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans Canteen Service (VCS)
> and Help Hospitalized Veterans (HHV), will take place August 27 -- 31.
>
> Golden Age Games competitions are open to all U.S. military veterans,
> age 55 or older, currently receiving care at a VA medical facility.
> Hosted by the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, the Games give
> participants the opportunity to compete in ambulatory, visually
> impaired and wheelchair divisions according to their age, in sports
> such as swimming, bicycling, horseshoes, bowling, croquet, discus and
> shot put.
>
> \"The Golden Age Games are a shining example of the care VA provides
> to its heroes," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Jim Nicholson.
> \"These Games bring together veterans from World War II to Operation
> Desert Storm, all living full and healthy lives. VA is proud of the
> care and recognition these veterans receive through this national
> rehabilitation special event."
>
> The National Veterans Golden Age Games is the premier senior adaptive
> rehabilitation program for veterans in the United States. The only
> national multi-event sports and recreational seniors' competition
> program, it is designed to improve the quality of life for all older
> veterans, including those with a wide range of abilities and
> disabilities. For a number of events, the Games serve as a qualifying
> competition for participating in the National Senior Games, a member
> of the U.S. Olympic Committee.\
> **- More -**

# Golden Age Games 2-2-2-2

> "On behalf of the Founder and Board of Directors of HHV, I share in
> the excitement of HHV's inaugural co-sponsorship of this first-rate
> 'special event'," said Mike Lynch, Executive Director of HHV. "The
> Golden Age Games help senior veterans maintain excellent mental and
> physical health by encouraging them to participate in activities
> throughout the year."
>
> "Veterans Canteen Service is proud to be one of the sponsors of the
> National Veterans Golden Age Games as an outward expression of our
> commitment to serving those who served," said Marilyn Iverson, VCS
> national director. "They send a clear message that exercise, fitness
> and competition demonstrated during their military service still shows
> in their determination and spirit at the Games."
>
> The majority of the Golden Age Games events, including opening and
> closing ceremonies, will be held at the George R. Brown Convention
> Center. The opening ceremony will take place at 7 p.m. on Monday,
> August 27. Festivities include music, a color guard, a parade of flags
> and a ceremonial lighting of the torch. The competition begins with
> bicycling on Tuesday, August 28, at 8 a.m., at Reliant Park. Amid the
> competition, veterans will be treated to Texas hospitality at area
> attractions.
>
> For more information on the Golden Age Games, look online at
> [www.veteransgoldenagegames.va.gov](http://www.veteransgoldenagegames.va.gov/),
> or call Jenny Tankersley Ballou, National Veterans Golden Age Games
> public affairs coordinator, at (757) 728-3450 or (757) 254-6058.
>
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