The VA Is Holding an Athletic Competition in Wisconsin This Summer. Sign Up Now

Are you a veteran over the age of 55 and think you have what it takes to compete against your peers and take home a medal? If so, you should show your stuff at this year's National Veterans Golden Age Games in Madison, Wisconsin.

You don't even have to run a marathon. In fact, this year's competitive events include: air pistol, air rifle, badminton, basketball, boccia, bowling, cycling, disc golf, golf, horseshoes, nine ball, pickleball, power walk, shuffleboard, swimming, table tennis, and track and field.

All veterans who receive Department of Veterans Affairs health care and are 55 years or older are eligible to compete for free.

Registration to compete in the 2020 National Veterans Golden Age Games opens March 2, 2020, at noon Eastern time. If past events are any indication, slots will fill up fast. Once the maximum number of applications is received, registration will be closed.

You can register online at www.veteransgoldenagegames.va.gov.

This year's competition runs June 22-27 in Madison.

"For 34 years, VA has been hosting the National Veterans Golden Age Games as a rehabilitation event dedicated to the health and well-being of our nation's Veterans 55 and older," said Carla Ruff, director of the National Veterans Golden Age Games. "In keeping with the Games' motto -- 'Fitness for Life' -- we want to encourage every veteran to apply and make activity and fitness an integral part of their lives."

This year, nearly 1,000 senior veteran-athletes are expected to compete in the national multi-sport competition. The games' purpose is to encourage senior veterans to make physical activity a central part of their lives, and to support the VA's comprehensive recreation and rehabilitation therapy programs.

So, if you have no other plans and want to spend a week in Wisconsin enjoying the beautiful summer weather -- and maybe a few beers and brats, sign up to have fun with other veterans.

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