National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic opened in San Diego

– Veterans with Disabilities to Learn Life-Changing Skills at Summer Sports Clinic in San Diego –

From the VA:

Adaptive Sports Help Rehabilitate Injured Veterans

WASHINGTON – The National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic is an event like no other, uniquely designed to teach recently-injured Veterans how to surf, kayak, sail, cycle and enjoy other sports. The 3^rd National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic, sponsored by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), will be held September 19 – 25 in San Diego.  

 “I have seen this clinic up close and have witnessed its life-changing effects on the Veterans who participate,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki.  “Helping these Veterans rediscover their capabilities is why this Clinic was started.”

Events at this important rehabilitation clinic include adaptive kayaking, sailing, track and field, cycling and surfing, using venues throughout the San Diego area, including the U.S. Olympic Training Center.  At the week-long event, participants will have also built strong bonds and life-long relationships with fellow Veterans. 

Participation is open to military Veterans who are eligible for VA medical care and have orthopedic amputations, traumatic brain injuries, burn injuries, psychological trauma, certain neurological conditions, visual impairment, spinal cord injuries or other injuries incurred during the past six years. 

VA is an unmatched health care leader in rehabilitation, with an impassioned commitment to serve the nation’s heroes past and present. The Clinic is one of VA’s six national rehabilitation events held each year, with sponsorship support for the Summer Clinic provided by original founding sponsors, Help Hospitalized Veterans and the Veterans Canteen Service, as well as national sponsors Health Net, Booz Allen Hamilton and Challenged America.  

The VA San Diego Health care System is the host of this year’s Clinic, and has hosted the event since its inception in 2008.  

For more information about the National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic, visit www.summersportsclinic.va.gov, or contact Jose Llamas, VA Summer Sports Clinic public affairs coordinator, at (202) 461-7549.

VA is a recognized leader in rehabilitative and recreational therapies, and operates more than 1,400 sites of care, including 153 medical centers. (www.va.gov)