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VA Announces New Sports Clinic for Newly Injured Veterans |
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One hundred recently
injured veterans from around the country will participate in a unique
rehabilitative sports experience this September in San Diego, the National
Veterans Summer Sports Clinic, sponsored by the Department of Veterans
Affairs (VA).
"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."
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
http://www.summersportsclinic.va.gov.
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