20th National Veterans Golden Age Games

By Irwin Czoseck

 

The 20th annual games were held in Hampton, Virginia  May 6-13th Over 600 vets participated and enjoyed recreation and competing against each other. Rain delayed the golf and bicycling events, but they were made up later in the week. There was a bingo night where prizes were given by the Veteran’s Canteen Service. Also, dance parties were held each evening. Side trips were provided daily for  those without event competition to Williamsburg, Jamestown, Yorktown, Norfolk, the Air & Space Center, and Virginia Beach. There was a daily medal ceremony with awards given for the vets who won the previous day. The medals were inscribed with the vet’s name, event, and date. Presenting awards to participants was James R.  Nicholson, Secretary of Veterans Affairs who served as a special guest   during the closing ceremony.

 

I personally had the best results in my 16 years of attending the Golden Age Games winning a Bronze in Bowling a gold medal in table tennis, 9-ball, and shuffleboard. Much of the credit goes to my coach/aide, Linda Harriman who assisted me throughout the week. I look forward to the competition, but more important is renewing acquaintances with fellow vets and VA staff.

 

Shuffleboard (wheelchair)  — Gold

Billiards-nine ball (wheelchair) — Gold                                                                                    

Table tennis (wheelchair) —— Gold

Bowling (wheelchair/adaptive) Bronze

 

I would like to thank the Vaughan Chapter for sponsoring me to attend this great event. Text Box: 20th National Veterans Golden Age Games By Irwin Czoseck   The 20th annual games were held in Hampton, Virginia  May 6-13th Over 600 vets participated and enjoyed recreation and competing against each other. Rain delayed the golf and bicycling events, but they were made up later in the week. There was a bingo night where prizes were given by the Veteran’s Canteen Service. Also, dance parties were held each evening. Side trips were provided daily for  those without event competition to Williamsburg, Jamestown, Yorktown, Norfolk, the Air & Space Center, and Virginia Beach. There was a daily medal ceremony with awards given for the vets who won the previous day. The medals were inscribed with the vet’s name, event, and date. Presenting awards to participants was James R.  Nicholson, Secretary of Veterans Affairs who served as a special guest   during the closing ceremony.   I personally had the best results in my 16 years of attending the Golden Age Games winning a Bronze in Bowling a gold medal in table tennis, 9-ball, and shuffleboard. Much of the credit goes to my coach/aide, Linda Harriman who assisted me throughout the week. I look forward to the competition, but more important is renewing acquaintances with fellow vets and VA staff.   Shuffleboard (wheelchair)  — Gold Billiards-nine ball (wheelchair) — Gold Table tennis (wheelchair) —— Gold Bowling (wheelchair/adaptive) Bronze   I would like to thank the Vaughan Chapter for sponsoring me to attend this great event.