Nearly 800 Veterans ages 55 and older joined volunteers and rehabilitative professionals from across the country for the 31st National Veterans Golden Age Games, May 7-11 in Biloxi, Mississippi.

This annual competition organized by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and supported by national sponsor Veterans Canteen Service, is the only national multi-event sports and recreational senior competition aimed at improving the quality of life for all older Veterans, including those with a wide range of abilities and disabilities.

Since 2004, the National Veterans Golden Age Games have served as a qualifier for competition in the National Senior Games, held every other year.

“At VA, we encourage Veterans to lead active, healthy lives, and recognize that sports, recreation and activity — in particular for our senior Veterans — are an integral part of any successful health and wellness program,” said VA Secretary Dr. David J. Shulkin. “These games are a great example of Veterans staying fit and enjoying friendly competition at the same time.”

At the games, Veteran athletes competed in 14 events, such as cycling, field events and swimming, and several exhibition events, including basketball.

For more information, visit https://www.va.gov/opa/speceven/gag/ and follow VA Adaptive Sports on Twitter at @VAAdaptiveSport, or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/vaadaptivesports.