From May 30 to June 4, Buffalo will be hosting The National Veterans Golden Age Games – an event that is on track to draw upwards of a thousand participating Veterans and their families to Western New York.
Thanks to the efforts of The Buffalo Niagara Sports Commission, a subsidiary of Visit Buffalo Niagara, the Western New York Congressional Delegation, the VA Western New York Healthcare System, and the National Veterans Golden Age Games Local Organizing Committee, the games are moving forward in full capacity, giving Veterans the chance to compete against one another in the spirit of fun and healthy athletic prowess. “Here’s a great opportunity to stand up and serve those who have selflessly stood up and served this great nation,” said Congressman Brian Higgins. “We all know a veteran and certainly each of our lives have been touched by the service of our men and women in the military, past and present; volunteering for the Golden Age Games is a great way to say thank you.”
“We are moving toward the finish line for the Grand Opening Ceremonies for the 27th Annual National Veterans Golden Age Games in Buffalo on May 30,” said Local Honorary Chairman of the National Veterans Golden Age Games Patrick Welch. “One of the final pieces to be put in place is volunteers for the events that will take place during the five days of competition all over Erie and Niagara Counties. The theme for the games is ‘Warriors on the Waterfront’ and it will bring over 850 veterans, families and supporters to our community and many of these veterans served in Vietnam. This is our chance to say ‘Thank You’ to all who did not ever receive a ‘Welcome Home.’ Please help us make this the most memorable Golden Age Games in history.”
“We are looking forward to rolling out the red carpet for our Nation’s Veterans,” stated Brian Stiller, VA Western New York Healthcare System director. “The Western New York community is outstanding; #1 sports’ fans and supportive of Veterans. We look forward to more individuals and groups volunteering for this special event.”
“We are very excited to have the National Veterans Golden Age Games reinstated and now we’re calling on Buffalonians to join us in showing off our city to guests from around the country,” said Visit Buffalo Niagara President & CEO Dottie Gallagher-Cohen. “By volunteering for the games, you can help create a friendly, helpful and welcoming environment for our Veterans and send them home as ambassadors for Buffalo.”
The National Veterans Golden Age Games are open to all U.S. military Veterans age 55 or older who receive care at a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facility and give participants the opportunity to compete in ambulatory, visually-impaired and wheelchair divisions, according to their ages. Events include swimming, cycling, golf, horseshoes, bowling, shot put, discus, croquet, dominoes, air rifle, nine-ball, and table tennis.