Tampa Bay Welcomes National Veterans Golden Age Games

The 40th annual National Veterans Golden Age Games have arrived in Tampa, and it’s already the best-attended event in the program’s history. More than 1,200 athletes are participating. One-third of them are female. And more than 500 are first-time participants.

 

“You matter, your service matters, and your story matters,’’ said chaplain Tanya James Foster of Tampa’s James A. Haley VA Hospital, who delivered the invocation at Saturday night’s Opening Ceremonies at the Tampa Convention Center.

 

If the emotions were any indication, it’s going to be a memorable week of competition, which runs through Thursday. The athletes showed nonstop spirit as they sang, danced, and cheered throughout the program, which welcomed them to town and saluted their achievements.

 

The Golden Age Games, which began in 1985 with 115 athletes at Albany, Ga., have grown into a mega-event that includes participants from 40 states, plus the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and American Samoa. It features military veterans from age 55 through 90-and-over who compete in events such as archery, badminton, basketball, bowling, cycling, horseshoes, pickleball, swimming, table tennis, and track.

 

Athletes are classified into three categories: ambulatory, visually impaired, and wheelchair. The competition’s slogan: “Fitness for Life.’’

 

Tampa has hosted high-profile military events before, such as the National Veterans Wheelchair Games (2013) and the Department of Defense Warrior Games (2019). Tampa’s first shot at the Golden Age Games was postponed in 2020 due to COVID, but now it gets the event, larger than ever.

 

Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, along with officials from the Tampa Bay Sports Commission and Visit Tampa Bay, welcomed the athletes on Saturday night.

 

“It’s amazing how our event has grown from that first year in Albany, Georgia, to where it is now as we arrive in Tampa,’’ said Brittany Hook, director of the Golden Age Games. “Our veterans have been showing up for themselves and training all year in preparation for this week. They’ve been practicing together and holding each other accountable. I’m excited to see how they not only show up for themselves and how they compete, but I love seeing how they show up for each other.’’

 

John Bartrum, a retired Major General who is Under Secretary for Health with the Veterans Health Administration, told the athletes that he continues to be inspired by everyone’s best effort.

“Stepping onto a court or field or jumping into a pool is a reminder that every day provides a new opportunity to embrace fitness at these Games,’’ Bartrum said. “You can build confidence and reconnect with the inner strength that each of you has.

 

“Adaptive sports are the culmination of physical, mental, and spiritual health. I’m going to say that again. It’s physical, mental, and spiritual health. You need all three. These are essential, not only for healing, but for thriving as they create connection and a community to pursue fitness for life.’’

 

Cory Price, a 12-year Army veteran who is interim executive director of Tampa’s James A. Haley VA Hospital, said “showing up is already victory.’’

 

“To our veteran athletes, you are the heart of these Games,’’ Price said. “You embody fitness for life and prove every day that strength, resilience, and determination do not fade with time. To our families and caregivers, thank you for your unwavering support, and to our volunteers, partners, and VA staff, this event would not be possible without you."

 

“As we celebrate 40 years, we look ahead to a week filled with competition, camaraderie, and unforgettable moments.’’

 

Three specialty awards, given annually at the Golden Age Games, were bestowed:

 

George Gangi Inspiration Award — Georgia’s Anita Willingham. The award honors a competitor who exemplifies the attributes of a true champion through athletic excellence and qualities such as sportsmanship, dedication, attitude, and support of their fellow veterans.

 

Athlete Hall of Fame Award — Florida’s Diana Lee Hoots. Hall of Fame recipients must have 10 consecutive years of participation (Hoots has 19 straight years) while demonstrating the character of a good team member, showing good sportsmanship, dedication, and leadership skills. Hoots keeps up with her teammates year-round, while sharing resources and training opportunities.

 

Coach of the Year — Sally Goldsborough, a recreation therapist from the St. Louis VA Medical Center. The award recognizes a Department of Veterans Affairs clinician whose dedication and commitment help veterans engage in fitness for life. Goldsborough offers year-round training, wellness education, travel assistance, and in-person support for her team.

 

Price then called two Tampa-based athletes to the stage, who carried an Olympic-style torch. Price presented it to the crowd, then uttered the words everyone came to hear: