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> FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
>
> March 15, 2005

# 

# Oklahoma City Hosts 2005 National Veterans Golden Age Games

> WASHINGTON -- From across the nation, more than 500 veterans age 55
> and older will test their mettle in competition at the nation's
> largest annual sporting event for senior veterans. The 19^th^ National
> Veterans Golden Age Games, an exciting national sports and
> recreational competition, will take place May 21-26, 2005 at the
> University of Oklahoma in Norman and other area venues.
>
> Hosted this year by the Oklahoma City VA Medical Center, the event
> includes competition in 14 sports such as swimming, bicycling, discus,
> shot put, bowling and golf. It is open to all U.S. military veterans
> age 55 or older who are currently receiving care at any VA medical
> facility.
>
> "Those friends and neighbors who stood tall for freedom 30, 40, and
> even 50 years ago in the military are now among our most distinguished
> veterans," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Jim Nicholson. "They
> earned our respect and gratitude when they were in uniform. They
> continue to inspire us today.\"
>
> The National Veterans Golden Age Games are sponsored by the Department
> of Veterans Affairs (VA), the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and
> Ladies Auxiliary, and Veterans Canteen Service (VCS).
>
> The games bring together veterans from all branches of military
> service who served in times of war and peace. Participants compete in
> open, wheelchair and visually impaired divisions in specific age
> groups. Although many of the competitors are veterans of World War II
> and the Korean War, Vietnam era veterans are increasing in number each
> year in this annual competition.
>
> "We are pleased to be a part of this excellent program and take great
> pride in what veterans can do, whether in defense of their country or
> on the field of friendly competition," said John Furgess, VFW
> Commander-in-Chief.
>
> **Golden Age Games 2/2/2/2**
>
> "The Veterans Canteen Service is honored to serve once again as a
> co-sponsor of the National Veterans Golden Age Games," said Jim
> Donahoe, VCS National Director. "As we watch these veterans take on
> the challenge of competition, we are reminded of the same
> determination and courage they showed during military service many
> years ago. They continue to face life head-on and remind the rest of
> us that we are never too old to stop trying." 
>
> The majority of events will be held at the campus of the University of
> Oklahoma, beginning with a gala opening ceremony on Saturday, May 21,
> at 7:00 p.m. at the Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium.
> Festivities include music, a color guard, a parade of flags from each
> participating state and a ceremonial lighting of the torch. Closing
> ceremonies will be at the Lloyd Noble Center on Thursday, May 26, at
> 7:00 p.m.
>
> Roy Gantt, a 70-year-old Army and Air Force veteran, has competed in
> the Golden Age Games for several years. "You've got to stay active to
> keep in shape," Gantt said. "Participating in these events helps us
> stay fit and live longer. It not only gets you in great physical shape
> and helps you feel better about yourself, it also gives you the chance
> to catch up with old friends and make some new ones. Competing keeps
> us young."
>
> For the second year, the National Veterans Golden Age Games will serve
> as a qualifier for the National Senior Olympics, a community-based
> member of the United States Olympic Committee.
>
> For more information about the National Veterans Golden Age Games,
> visit the VA\'s Web site,
> [[http://www1.va.gov/opa/speceven/index.htm]{.underline}](http://www1.va.gov/opa/speceven/index.htm).
>
> \# \# \#
>
> **Media Inquiries:**

-   Jenny Shafer Tankersley, VA Public Affairs (757) 728-3450

-   Joe Davis, VFW Public Relations (202) 543-2239