Senior Veterans Set for National Golden Age Games

April 26, 2006 - More than 500 senior veterans from across the nation - aged 55 and older - will test their mettle in competition at the nation’s largest sporting event for senior military veterans. The 20th National Veterans Golden Age Games, a national sports and recreational competition, will take place May 7-12, 2006 in Hampton, Va.

The event includes competition in 14 different sports, such as swimming, bicycling, discus, shot put, bowling and golf. It is open to all U.S. military veterans age 55 or older who are currently receiving care at any VA medical facility.

Almadge Newkirk

Oldest Competitor in 2006 Games

When asked what keeps this veteran competing in the National Veterans Golden Age Games, Almadge Newkirk responds knowingly. “It keeps me fresh,” he says. Newkirk, who turned 92 in October and lives at the state veterans’ home in Barstow, Calif., has participated in the Games since 1985. This WWII combat vet is expected to be the oldest competitor.

He won his first medal, a bronze, in shuffleboard at the age of 82. This year, he competes in both the croquet and nine-ball events.

Among his most memorable events were the 1998 Games held in Leesburg, Virginia, outside of our nation’s capital. “It was particularly patriotic and moving,” Newkirk said. “We got to go into D.C. to see the museums and monuments – that was a sight!” He expects much of the patriotism to be evident at this year’s Games as well.

Newkirk keeps coming to the Games every year and encourages other veterans to attend. “I get to enjoy myself and I get to be with a lot of nice people. All you have to do is be there on time.”

When he is not occupied training for the Games, he keeps busy by volunteering at the VA medical center in West Los Angeles, providing assistance to other veterans in the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation department. He helps out by delivering canes and other prosthetics items to veterans hospitalized at the facility.

A combat veteran of World War II, Newkirk served in the Army where he did a little bit of everything and earned the rank of 2nd Sergeant.

Some of his best moments in the service were meeting actor James Cagney on a USO tour that came through the base. On the same billing were actor Mickey Rooney and singer Dinah Shore. During his time in the military, he was buddies with Fayette Nicolas, of the famous dance troupe from the 30’s and 40’s, who stayed in the neighboring barracks.

Almadge Newkirk has a lot of good memories from his 92+ years, but some of the best came from attending the National Veterans Golden Age Games. “I enjoy competing and mingling with old friends, and meeting new ones at the Golden Age Games,” he said. “The Games provide healthy social contacts.”

"America's veterans have shown us the real meaning of patriotism, self-sacrifice and heroism," said the Honorable R. James Nicholson, Secretary of Veterans Affairs. "Now, many of them are showing the way toward healthful living with habits defined by interests, not years. The determination and grace shown by these participants is a testament to their character and spirit."

The National Veterans Golden Age Games are sponsored by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the Veterans of Foreign Wars and Ladies Auxiliary (VFW), and Veterans Canteen Service (VCS).

“The National Veterans Golden Age Games are a life-changing event for both spectators and athletes alike,” said Jim Donahoe, Director of the Veterans Canteen Service. “You will be inspired by the courage, drive, and determination shown by the athletes. It is really the sense of brotherhood and mutual support, however, that will leave a long-lasting impression and serve as an example for all of us to follow.”

The Games bring together veterans from all branches of military service who served in times of war and peace. Participants compete in open, wheelchair and visually impaired divisions in specific age groups. Veterans who served during the war in Vietnam now make up the largest group of competitors, although there are also large numbers of men and women who served in World War II and the Korean War.

“We are proud to once again be a national co-sponsor of the Golden Age Games,” said Jim Mueller, commander-in-chief of the 2.4 million-member VFW. “Everyone should take great pride in what military veterans have accomplished, whether in defense of our nation or on the field of friendly competition. They are the foundation on which our great country was built.”

For the second time, the National Veterans Golden Age Games will serve as a qualifier for the National Senior Olympics, to be held June 29 – July 14, 2007 in Louisville, Ky. The National Senior Olympics is a community-based member of the United States Olympic Committee.

The event begins with a gala opening ceremony on Sunday, May 7 at 7:00 p.m. at the Hampton Roads Convention Center. Festivities include music, a color guard, the parade of flags from participating states and a ceremonial lighting of the torch. Closing ceremonies will also be held at the Convention Center, on Friday, May 12 at 7:00 p.m.

For more information about the National Veterans Golden Age Games, visit the event’s web site at www.veteransgoldenagegames.org.