Originally published: 2025-01-09T19:30:00+00:00. Historical source article: benefits, rules, amounts and deadlines may have changed. Check the official source for current information.
Sports4Vets registration season is here.
Every step forward is a victory for Veterans who are up for a sports challenge. As you set new goals for 2025, consider applying for VA’s sports competitions and clinics. Whether you’re a novice, never tried or been in the game for years, now is the time to embrace the strength and resilience you’ve built through your service.
“I was never interested in sports before,” said Air Force Reserve Colonel Edna Higa, who uses VA Pacific Islands for her care. “I’m glad I got connected with the Golden Age Games. They motivate me and I am grateful for that.”
Golden Age Games: register Jan. 28 and 29
Inspired by programs that promote healthy aging, fitness and recreation, the National Veterans Golden Age Games underscores the therapeutic value of sports medicine for older Veterans. There are 19 sports competitions open to Veterans of all abilities, ages 55 and beyond.
The 2025 Games will be held in Memphis, from May 31 to June 5.
Wheelchair Games: register Feb. 3 through April 4
Terri Tulley, Marine Corps Veteran, competed in the National Veterans Wheelchair Games for the first time in 2024. “I want to continue swimming, playing softball and pickleball at my community recreation center. Being an ambassador for Veterans reminds me that we’re not alone.”
The Wheelchair Games, co-presented by VA and Paralyzed Veterans of America, is a sports rehabilitation event for military Veterans who use wheelchairs for sports due to spinal cord injuries, amputations, MS or other neurological conditions.
With more than 20 competitions and Paralympic sports, the games inspire Veterans to play strong, connect with other athletes and enjoy the health benefits of being active. The Wheelchair Games will be held in Minneapolis, from July 17-22.
Summer Sports Clinic: apply now through March 1
The National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic is a rehabilitative and educational hands-on event where Veterans with a range of disabilities can engage in kayaking, surfing, sailing, cycling, adaptive fitness and more.
Army Veteran Chuck Miller is blind and first tried the Summer Sports Clinic 10 years ago. “When I’m on the water sailing, I feel the wind blowing, the birds, the sounds of the ocean, the sun on my face. I enjoy it in a way that a sighted person can’t experience,” Miller said.
The 2025 clinic will be held in San Diego, from Aug. 23-30. All accepted Veterans will be eligible to receive a free, roundtrip airline ticket to attend through the generous support of Fisher House Foundation Hero Miles.
Golf Clinic: apply Jan. 13 through April 4
The National Disabled Veterans Golf Clinic, presented by VA and DAV (Disabled American Veterans), is a transformative adaptive sports event to challenge Veterans with visual impairments, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, amputations and other disabilities through adaptive golf, recreation sports and more. Veterans will receive custom golf lessons from professional PGA and LPGA instructors to ensure a clinic that is accessible.
“It’s like getting one of the most important parts of my life back. Other than my faith and my family, getting golf back has been one of the most important aspects of my recovery process,” said Navy Veteran Jim Lewis, who uses Richmond VA for his care.
The 2025 clinic will be held Sept. 7-12 in Riverside, Iowa. The application window for the clinic runs Jan. 13 through April 4.
Get to know VA’s Adaptive Sports events
The sports rehabilitation events are open to Veterans eligible to receive care at a VA facility. Visit VA National Veterans Sports Programs for more information and eligibility criteria. Follow VA Adaptive Sports @sports4vets on social media to see the action from past events.
Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Its Veterans is an independent publication and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. government.
