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"This new rehabilitative event is a therapeutic extension of the superior health care veterans receive in our medical centers each day," said Dr. James B. Peake, Secretary of Veterans Affairs. "The sports clinic will strengthen veterans battling back from injury, improving their mental and physical well-being."
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The event is open to recently injured veterans who have spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, certain neurological conditions, amputations, other mobility impairments, or post-traumatic stress disorder. For many injured veterans, this event will provide their first exposure to recreational sports and other activities after being injured.
The National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic will take place Sept. 28 through Oct. 3 at several venues in the San Diego area. Events include sailing, cycling, surfing, kayaking and track and field events. Admission for the public is free.
Sea World and the San Diego Marriott Hotel and Marina will be the site of the opening and closing ceremonies along with some of the week's events. Other events will be held at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, Kellogg Park in La Jolla Shores, the Embarcadero Marina Park and the Mission Bay Yacht Club.
Recreational sports can be an important part of the therapy for many disabilities. VA is a recognized leader in rehabilitation, with therapeutic programs available at VA health care facilities across the nation.
The event will become the fifth national rehabilitation event offered by VA to promote the healing of body, mind and spirit, joining the National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic, the National Veterans Wheelchair Games, the National Veterans Golden Age Games and the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival.
The VA San Diego Healthcare System is hosting the 2008 Summer Sports Clinic. Specific event activities offered will change each year.
For more information about the National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic or to volunteer during the week, visit the clinic Web site at www.summersportsclinic.va.gov.
SOURCE U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
