Veterans Fight Aging With Adaptive Sports, Friendly Competition

WINCHESTER, Calif., May 24, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Over 700 veterans from across the U.S. will be competing at this years' annual National Veterans Golden Age Games. The Games, which will take place May 31 - June 5 in St. Louis, Missouri, is one of the Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) many national rehabilitative programs.

The event is the largest sports competition for veterans 55+ in the nation. Veterans are often introduced to adaptive sports and games while receiving care through VA, a leader in recreational therapy for veterans.

Categories include swimming, bicycling, shot put, discus and many others.

In addition, this years' Games event is a qualifier for the 2013 National Senior Games.  Those who finish first, second or third place and meet Senior Games' standards may become eligible to compete at the Senior Games.

National nonprofit organization Help Hospitalized Veterans (HHV) is one of the co-sponsors of the Golden Age Games, along with the Veterans Canteen Service.  HHV supports the Golden Age Games because, as HHV President and CEO Mike Lynch said, "HHV will always be there to support our veterans in their rehabilitation and recovery.  The credit for HHV's involvement goes to its donors however, because without their generosity we would not be able to supplement the efforts of VA's superb staff and volunteers with this outstanding event."

Since 1971, HHV has provided over 27 million arts & craft kits to those receiving care from VA or the military.  For more information on HHV programs, services or giving, visit www.hhv.org  or call (888) 567-VETS.