National Veterans Golden Age Games Set for Hawaii

WASHINGTON (Nov. 30, 2010) -- More than 700 "golden age" Veterans from
the East Coast to the West and from the Pacific islands will travel to
Hawaii to participate in the nation's largest sporting event for senior
military Veterans.

The 25th National Veterans Golden Age Games, a national sports and
recreational competition sponsored by the Department of Veterans Affairs
(VA), Veterans Canteen Service and Help Hospitalized Veterans, will take
place May 26-31, 2011, in Honolulu.

"VA is pleased to present the Golden Age Games for another year," said
VA Assistant Secretary for Public and Intergovernmental Affairs Tammy
Duckworth.  "The games showcase our senior Veterans' spirit of
competition and commitment to healthy activities."

Events at the games are open to all U.S. military Veterans age 55 or
older, who are currently receiving care at a VA medical facility.
Hosted by the VA Pacific Islands Healthcare System, the games will have
14 competitive events, including swimming, cycling, horseshoes, bowling,
croquet and air rifles.

A leader in rehabilitation, VA offers a spectrum of health care services
to military Veterans.

The games have grown from 115 participants its first year to more than
700 in 2010.  It is the only national multi-event sports and
recreational seniors' competition program designed to improve the
quality of life for all older Veterans, including those with a wide
range of abilities and disabilities. It is one of the most progressive
and adaptive rehabilitative senior sports programs in the world.

"To have this year's Golden Age Games in Hawaii has brought some
logistical challenges to the event that took a fair amount of creativity
between the sponsors and coordinators," said Marilyn Iverson, director
of Veterans Canteen Service. "But challenges like this are well worth
the effort, and I believe that everyone will love the results.  This has
been a labor of love for our Veterans on this special anniversary of the
Golden Age Games.  The Veterans Canteen Service is honored to share the
experience."

"Help Hospitalized Veterans is extremely proud to be once again a
national co-sponsor of the Veterans Golden Age Games," said Mike Lynch,
president and CEO of Help Hospitalized Veterans. "By participating,
Veteran patients gain a new sense of accomplishment and self-worth that
can be life changing for many of them.  The games are a proven
therapeutic and rehabilitative program that enhances social interactions
and helps rebuild self-esteem and confidence."

The 2011 games begin with a gala opening ceremony May 26 at Kuroda
Field.  Competitive events run from May 27-31.

The National Veterans Golden Age Games serve as a qualifying event for
competition in the National Senior Games in a number of competitive
events.  The National Senior Olympics are a community-based member of
the United States Olympic Committee and recognize senior athletes as the
best athletes in their respective age groups in the United States.

For more information about the National Veterans Golden Age Games and
other VA national rehabilitation programs, visit VA's web site at
www.veteransgoldenagegames.va.gov.