NewsFlash | Adaptive Sports

Adaptive Sports

National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic | Snowmass, Colorado | March 30- April 5, 2025 — For more than three decades, the National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic has helped many of our nation’s most profoundly disabled veterans overcome obstacles and challenge their perceived limitations. The event is sponsored by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Disabled American Veterans (DAV), with financial assistance from corporate sponsors and individual donors. Veterans are provided with training in adaptive downhill skiing, nordic skiing, sled hockey, curling, scuba diving, rock wall climbing, fishing, and a number of other adaptive sports, education, and activities. Veterans with traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, orthopedic amputations, visual impairments, certain neurological conditions and other disabilities are empowered to challenge perceived limitations by participating in adaptive sports that improve their overall health and outlook.

National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic | San Diego, California | August 23-30, 2025 (Registration December 1, 2024-March 1, 2025) — The adaptive sports program is designed for Veterans whose current rehabilitation goals would benefit from the value of adaptive summer sports. Adaptive sports included are sailing, surfing, adaptive fitness, kayaking, cycling, yoga and meditation. A rehabilitative and educational hands-on sporting event for military Veterans from across the country who have a range of disabilities, including Amputations, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Traumatic Brain Injury, Poly Trauma, Visual Impairments, Multiple Sclerosis, CVA with Residual, Burns, and Spinal Cord Injuries. Rehabilitation events specifically designed for Veterans with disabilities allow eligible participants to gain motivation, improve their independence, achieve a healthier lifestyle, and enjoy a higher quality of life. NVSSC is open to all Veterans enrolled in VA health care. All applications are subject to review by the NVSSC Medical Director and NVSSC Director.

National Veterans Wheelchair Games | Minneapolis, MN | July 17-22, 2025 (Registration opens on February 3, 2025) — The National Veterans Wheelchair Games is the world’s largest annual wheelchair sports and rehabilitation event solely for military veteran s. The event demonstrates the unstoppable character of veterans and seeks to foster wider respect and opportunities for all people with disabilities. The National Veterans Wheelchair Games is open to all U.S. veterans with spinal cord injuries, amputations, multiple sclerosis, or other central neurological conditions who require a wheelchair for athletic competition. Every year, hundreds of American heroes from World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, and the post-9/11 era compete in this celebration of sport, courage and camaraderie.

National Veterans Golden Age Games | Memphis, TN | May 31-June 5, 2025 (Registration opens January 28, 2025) — VA's National Veterans Golden Age Games encourages Veterans age 55 and over, enrolled in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), to make physical activity a central part of their lives and support VA’s comprehensive recreation and rehabilitation therapy programs. It is a national showcase for the preventive and therapeutic value of sports, fitness and recreation for all older Americans. The qualifying procedures and rules of competition for the Games are based upon those set forth by the recognized National Governing Body (NGB) for each sport: Air Pistol, Air Rifle, Badminton, Basketball, Boccia, Bowling, Cornhole, Cycling, Disc Golf, Golf, Horseshoes, Nine Ball, Pickleball, Power Walking, Shuffleboard, Swimming, Table Tennis, Track & Field. Founded in 1985, the National Veterans Golden Age Games serves Veterans ages 55 years and older. Through its “Fitness for Life” motto, the Golden Age Games offers sports competitions and health education sessions to demonstrate the value that sports, wellness, and fitness provide to assist senior Veterans live an active and healthy lifestyle. The National Veterans Golden Age Games is a qualifying event for the National Senior Games. 

National Disabled Veterans Golf Clinic | Riverside, Iowa | September 7-12, 2025 (Registration January 13-April 4, 2025) — The National Disabled Veterans Golf Clinic (NDVGC) is a week-long adaptive golf program that is presented by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Disabled American Veterans (DAV). This annual event promotes rehabilitation by instructing Veterans with specific life-changing disabilities in adaptive golf. In addition to adaptive golf Veterans will be introduced to other adaptive recreational sports. ​All the activities offered by the NDVGC office will give Veterans an opportunity to develop new skills, strengthen their self-esteem, and expand fellowship and camaraderie among the participants. The event provides eligible Veterans with an opportunity to participate in therapeutic adaptive sporting and other recreational activities; which demonstrates that having a visual impairment or physical disability is a conquerable obstacle to an active, fulfilling and rewarding life.

Veteran Golfers Association’s Josh Peyton // WKXL (FM-101, Audio) // The National Defense Radio Show (13JANUARY2024 Portland, OR) — We welcome back Josh Peyton the program to talk about the growth of his great Veteran Service Organization, Veteran Golfers Association. Randy and Josh talk about the VGA, how it differs from the VA’s program with the PGA, and how you can get involved in supporting veterans or yourself through the game of golf.

Professional Golfer's Association (PGA) Helping Our Patriots Everywhere (HOPE) — The flagship military program of PGA REACH, the charitable foundation of the PGA of America. PGA HOPE introduces the game of golf to Veterans and Active Duty Military to enhance their physical, mental, social and emotional well-being. The program introduces golf through a developmental 6-8 week curriculum, led by PGA Professionals trained in adaptive golf and military cultural competency. All programs are funded by PGA REACH and supplemented by PGA Section Foundations, so the cost of programming is free to all Veterans. The PGA of America is one of the world's largest sports organizations, composed of PGA Professionals who work daily to grow interest and participation in the game of golf.

Veterans Golfer Association — The VGA is dedicated to enriching the lives of Veterans and their family members through the camaraderie and sportsmanship of golf. Annually, the VGA hosts more than 450 local tournaments across the country, culminating in a VGA National Championship each fall.

SWING for a Soldier — While honoring our veterans, warriors and first responders, it is by far one of the best rounds of golf you will ever play in a charity tournament. You won’t forget your experience regardless of your score. Enjoy a beautiful PNW golf course while you support the Permission to Start Dreaming Foundation and the strength-based programs and workshops we are providing for veterans and first responders dealing with post-traumatic stress. Featuring a great day of golf, reception and awards dinner, expect to be impressed with the prizes and many other activities that are planned for you; “our compassionate allies.” The Permission to Start Dreaming Foundation is committed to finding the best tools and training to enhance the mind, body and spiritual wellbeing of our nation’s veterans, first responders and their family members. We believe they should be provided the very best programs that help restore their lives and overcome the trauma they face while serving their country and communities.

American Lake Golf Course — The American Lake Veterans Golf Course is an 18-hole, Jack Nicklaus designed golf course managed, operated, and maintained by 235 volunteers: veterans, spouses, and friends of veterans. American Lake Golf Course is the only golf course in the United States designed to be played by disabled veterans. Recently the front nine greens were renovated with drainage and sand traps shaped to the specifications of the Nicklaus design. The greens renovation included 6-inches of pea gravel and 12-inches of a sandy/loam mixture on top. The surrounds and approaches of the greens are graded with 6 inches of topsoil and seeded perineal rye grass. Volunteers perform a wide variety of functions: management, grounds keeping and course maintenance, maintenance of equipment, check-in of golfers and guests, starters, marshals, scheduling of events, food service for events, training, and golf club repair. The American Lake Veterans Golf Course offers rehabilitation, therapy, socialization and support to those who have given so much for our country.

Eagle's Pride Golf Course at Joint Base Lewis McChord — Construction to build a golf course on Fort Lewis began in 1929. Major reconstrcution was completed in 1940. Nearly 100 years later, it's one of the best courses in Western Washington and is open to the general public. Eagles Pride is a 27-hole championship course with exceptional greens, manicured fairways and forgiving rough with tee boxes designed for all levels of golfers. Golfers enjoy year-round practice at our lighted and heated facility that offers 10 covered hitting areas. Eagle's Pride Indoor Golf simulator provides golf with up to eight people. Multi-sport games include Football, Basketball, Hockey, Dodgeball, Baseball, Hockey, Soccer, Rugby, and Cricket.

VA Office of National Veterans Sports Programs — Interested in becoming a Paralympic athlete? Veterans with disabilities can compete with the national Olympic Team, as authorized by 38 U.S.C. 322(d) and Section 703 of the Veterans' Benefits Improvement Act of 2008. VA’s Office of National Veterans Sports Programs and Special Events provides Veterans with opportunities for health and healing through adaptive sports and therapeutic art programs. The monthly allowance rate for an athlete approved for monetary assistance is the same as the 38 U.S.C. Chapter 31 Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (VR&E) rate. Detailed requirements, performance standards, training plans are available from the VA Office of National Veterans Sports Programs. These specialized rehabilitation events aim to optimize Veterans’ independence, community engagement, well-being, and quality of life. The VA National Veterans Sports Programs & Special Events Office provides a monthly assistance allowance for Veterans with disabilities training in Paralympic sports.

Adaptive Archery — Archery is a sport that is open to everyone; it is inclusive of all ages, genders and abilities. Athletes with physical or cognitive impairments, who may otherwise be dissuaded from participating in sports can participate in archery alongside athletes without any disability. Whether your goal is to just get out and socialize or be active, or to make a U.S. Paralympic or World Championship Team, archery is a sport that lends itself to any need.

Paralyzed Veterans of America Air Gun Program — The PVA Air Gun Program (pistol & rifle) is made up of in-person events, as well as remote matches, known as postal matches. The postal matches occur from November through March of each year, with targets due on the final day of each month. These matches allow competitors to shoot at their home range and compete against others across the country.

USA Shooting — In April 1995, USA Shooting was formed and became the National Governing Body for the international shooting sports in the United States. USA Shooting, a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation was chartered by the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee as the National Governing Body for the Olympic Shooting Sports in April 1995. The organization develops and implements programs to promote growth in the sport and serves as a sanctioning body for local and national competitions.

Hunting and Fishing Licenses — To view the benefits available to you by each U.S. state or territory, click on the map below or select from the drop down menu. State benefits include tax benefits, education benefits, employment benefits, health insurance benefits, and more. Each fact sheet contains details of the benefits available to Veterans and family members.

Trails and Hiking — Time to lace up your hiking boots! Maybe a strenuous trek up a mighty peak is what you’re after. Or maybe you see yourself walking along an ancient trail that our ancestors used. Perhaps meandering down a boardwalk is more your speed. Park staff and volunteers work hard to keep trails safe for visitors and follow conservation laws to help protect our natural resources. National parks offer many opportunities to hit the trail. Get ready, adventure awaits.

Entrance to National Parks for Current Military, Veterans, and Gold Star Families — Learn about entrance passes that give current US military, veterans, and Gold Star Families free access to national parks. A free annual Military Pass is available for current US military members and their dependents. A free lifetime Military Pass is available for Gold Star Families and US military veterans. The Gold Star voucher and Military Lifetime Pass cover entrance fees at national parks and national wildlife refuges as well as standard amenity fees (day use fees) at national forests and grasslands and on lands managed by the National Park Service (NPS), US Fish and Wildlife Service, US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation and US Army Corps of Engineers. The passes provide free access to more than 2,000 federal recreation areas, including national parks, wildlife refuges, and forests. An Access Pass may also provide discounts for expanded amenities like camping, guided tours etc.

• Current members of the US Armed Forces and their dependents can enter national parks for free with an Interagency Military Annual Pass through the America the Beautiful – the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass (Interagency) Program. There are a total of eight Interagency Passes available. For more information and to obtain these passes, please visit the USGS Online Store.
• Gold Star Families are next of kin of a member of the US Armed Forces who lost his or her life in a “qualifying situation,” such as a war, an international terrorist attack, or a military operation outside of the United States while serving with the US Armed Forces. Eligibility requirements are in section 3.2 of Department of Defense Instruction 1348.36. Gold Star Families are eligible to get a free Military Lifetime Pass.
• Individuals who served in the U.S. Armed Forces, including the National Guard and Reserves, and are able to present one of the following valid non-expired forms of identification when entering or using federal lands: (1) Department of Defense Identification Card (DD Form 2, DD Form 2765, or Next Generation USID replacement), (2) Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC), (3) Veteran ID Card, (4) Veterans designation on a state-issued U.S.driver’s license or identification card.

Camping — Sometimes spending a day in the wilderness isn't quite enough to truly capture the feeling of a special place. Sure, you see some amazing views or go on an unforgettable hike. But to get the full experience, you yearn to see the dark, starry skies. To listen to the yips of coyotes. To watch the sun rise on a silent, dewy morning. Camping in the great outdoors transforms a regular old road trip into an epic experience. So pack up your tent or hitch up the fifth wheel — adventure awaits.

Biking — Biking through national parks is a great way to see beautiful scenery and discover new places. Cyclists can travel by roads (which are sometimes car-free!) and, in some parks, on select trails. There are many places in parks that cars cannot go, but you can cover more ground and visit new places on a bike. Some national parks offer bike rentals, and others provide guided biking activities. Find out more about biking in national parks.

Ken Fisher, Chairman and CEO of Fisher House Live from the DoD Warrior Games  // WKXL (FM-101, Audio) // The National Defense Radio Show (29JUN2024 Portland, OR) — We welcome back Ken Fisher to the program to discuss Fisher House’s sponsorship of the 2024 Department of Defense Warrior Games. Randy and Ken discuss the event, why it is important for Fisher House to support these men and women, and give an update on where Fisher House’s mission is heading today.

Department of Defense Warrior Games — The Department of Defense Warrior Games is an annual event, first held in 2010, that celebrates the resiliency and dedication of wounded, injured, and ill active duty and veteran U.S. military Service members. Men and women representing the U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Air Force, Space Force, and U.S. Special Operations Command compete in a variety of adaptive sports. The 2024 Department of Defense Warrior Games, was hosted by U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida in the The Department of Defense Warrior Games, hosted by U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, will return to the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. The DoD Warrior Games Challenge serves to enhance the recovery and rehabilitation of wounded warriors by providing them exposure to adaptive sports. The adaptive sports featured in the DoD Warrior Games are a part of the larger DoD Warrior Care program. Within this program, adaptive sports provide reconditioning activities and competitive athletic opportunities to all wounded, ill and injured service members to improve their physical and mental wellness throughout the continuum of recovery and transition. Modified equipment and additional classification systems allow each athlete to compete, regardless of their injury or illness.

MOVE Weight Management Program — VA's MOVE Weight Management Program for Veterans supports Veterans whole health and what matters most to them. Evidence-based weight management tools and strategies help Veterans make changes related to eating, physical activity, and behavior. MOVE is designed to improve the lives of Veterans. A team of health care providers is ready to help you lose weight and keep it off. You will learn how to lose weight safely and be healthy. You will be an active player in this journey and your health care team will be your “coaches.”

MOVE Veteran Workbook — The MOVE Weight Management Program uses a 16-module MOVE! Veteran Workbook that guides participants through learning and activities to support healthy lifestyle changes. The Workbook also contains three mini-modules with additional information. The Workbook material is available in several formats that are explained below. This workbook was designed to empower and engage Veterans in their own healthcare, Healthy Living and Whole Health. Throughout the MOVE! Program Veterans will take charge of their weight management and apply tools and strategies to lose weight and be healthy.

Team Red, White, and Blue (RWB) — In the military, Service members push the limits of their well-being to support the mission. That selfless service posture has always been necessary because Service members of every era knew they may be called to war. As they move into civilian life, many veterans carry that mission-first mindset with them, neglecting their health in the process. We believe that veterans are America’s most resilient citizens — and it’s time for more veterans to prioritize their well-being first.

Military Adaptive Sports Program (MASP) — Military Adaptive Sports is designed to enhance recovery by engaging wounded, injured, and ill Service members early in individualized physical and cognitive activities outside of traditional therapy settings. The program hopes to inspire recovery and physical fitness and encourage new opportunities for growth and achievement. The benefits of physical activity for injured Service members include reduced stress, increased quality of life, lower blood pressure, weight management, and enhancement of the rehabilitative process. Site Coordinators facilitate daily activities, access to community-based events and resources, sports camps, and clinics. MASP offers a variety of single-sport clinics, multiple-sport camps, and mentorship opportunities to help wounded, injured, and ill Service members learn new skills and promote lifelong fitness and well-being. 

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Today's VHA - the largest of the three administrations that comprise the VA - continues to meet Veterans' changing medical, surgical, and quality-of-life needs. VHA is the largest integrated health care system in the United States, providing care at 1,321 health care facilities, including 172 VA Medical Centers and 1,138 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics) to over 9 million Veterans enrolled in the VA health care program. There are 18 Veterans Integrated Service Networks (VISNs) in VHA operating as regional systems of care to better meet local health care needs and provides greater access to care. In the Pacific Northwest, VISN 20 serves Veterans in Alaska, Oregon, Washington, most of Idaho, and one county each in California and Montana. Spanning 23% of the US land mass, VISN 20 is the largest geographic region of VA. Operating across three time zones over 817,417 square miles, VISN 20 is home to 273 federally recognized American Indian and Alaskan Native tribes. According to DoD, American Indians and Alaska Natives have one of the highest representations in the United States Armed Forces. VA consults with American Indian and Alaska Native tribal governments to develop partnerships that enhance access to services and benefits by Veterans and their families. VA is committed to ensuring that Native American Veterans and their families are able to utilize all benefits and services they are entitled to receive. As of the end of FY2023, 42.2% of VISN 20 enrollees and 39.7% of VISN 20 patients resided in rural or highly rural areas. Veterans may be eligible to receive care from a community provider when VA cannot provide the care needed. Veterans Community Care Program (VCCP) provides health care for Veterans from providers in the local community. VCCP includes General Community Care, Urgent Care, Emergency Care, Foreign Medical Care, Home Health and Hospice Care, Indian and Tribal Health Services, In Vitro Fertilization, State Veterans Home, and Flu Shots.

Browse facilities by state

VA Puget Sound Health Care System (VAPSHCS) serves Veterans from a five-state area in the Pacific Northwest with two main divisions: American Lake VA Medical Center and Seattle VA Medical Center. Veterans Medical Centers are also located in Spokane, Vancouver, and Walla Walla. VA Outpatient Clinics and Vet Centers are located in Bellingham, Bellevue, Bremerton, Chehalis, Edmunds, Everett, Federal Way, Lacey, Mount Vernon, Olympia, Port Angeles, Puyallup, Richland, Renton, Silverdale, Seattle, Spokane, Union Gap, Vancouver, Walla Walla, Wenatchee, and Yakima.

VA Portland Health Care System (VAPORHCS) serves Veterans in Oregon and Southwest Washington with two main divisions: Portland VA Medical Center and Vancouver VA Medical Center. Veterans Medical Centers are also located in Roseburg, White City, and Vancouver, Washington. VA Outpatient Clinics and Vet Centers are located in Astoria, Bend, Boardman, Brookings, Enterprise, Eugene, Fairview, Grants Pass, Hines, Hillsboro, Klamath Falls, LaGrande, Lincoln City, Newport, Portland, Salem, The Dalles, and West Linn.

VA Regional Offices

The Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) helps service members transition out of military service, and assists with Veterans with education, home loans, life insurance and much more. Service members, Veterans, their families, and Survivors are invited to request information on VA Benefits including disability compensation, pension, fiduciary, education, Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E), Home Loans, and Insurance. In addition to information on VA Benefits Veterans may initiate an intent to file and request assistance with filing compensation and pension claims. Visit regional office websites to learn about the services the regional office provides, directions to the facility, hours of operation, and the leadership team that serves the regional office.

Find out if you can get VA health care as a Veteran

The following four categories of Veterans are not required to enroll but are urged to do so to permit better planning of health resources:

1. Veterans with a service-connected (SC) disability rated at 50% or more.
2. Veterans seeking care for a disability the military determined was incurred or aggravated in the line of duty, but which VA has not yet rated, within 12 months of discharge.
3. Veterans seeking care for a SC disability only or under a special treatment authority.
4. Veterans seeking registry examinations (ionizing radiation, Agent Orange, Gulf War/Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation New Dawn (OEF/OIF/OND) depleted uranium, airborne hazards, and Open Burn Pit Registry).

Find out how to apply for VA health care benefits as a Veteran or service member. For other mental health services, contact a VA medical center for information on eligibility and treatment options.

Vet Centers in VISN 20

Vet Centers in the VISN 20 Health Care Network are community-based counseling centers that provide a wide range of social and psychological services, including professional readjustment counseling to eligible Veterans, active-duty Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Air Force, and Space Force service members, including National Guard and Reserve components, and their families. 1-877-WAR-VETS is an around the clock confidential call center where Veterans, service members and their families can talk about their military experience or any other issue they are facing in transitioning after military service or trauma and get connected to their nearest Vet Center.

Plan your trip to VA

In 1946, Veterans Canteen Service (VCS) was established by law to provide comfort and well-being to America’s Veterans. With our many retail stores, cafés and coffee shops across the country, we serve those who have served our country. We are a self-sustaining entity providing merchandise and services to Veterans enrolled in VA’s healthcare system, their families, caregivers, VA employees, volunteers and visitors. We are honored to give back to the VA community through many programs established for the health and well-being of our nation’s heroes. Revenues generated from VCS are used to support a variety of programs, such as VA’s Rehabilitation Games, Fisher Houses, Poly-Trauma Centers for OIF/OEF/OND Veterans, disaster relief efforts, Substance Abuse Cessation, VA’s Homelessness initiatives, Women Veterans, Veteran Suicide Prevention and other activities.

Hospital Service Directory

To find out whether there is a van near you use the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Hospital Service Coordinator Directory to contact your nearest HSC for information or assistance. Please remember that the DAV Transportation Network is staffed by volunteers; therefore, it is unable to cover every community.