The 2017 National Veterans Golden Age Games will be hosted in Biloxi, Mississippi, May 7th-11th! Nearly 800 athletes are expected to compete in the national multi-sport competition and volunteers are needed to make the event successful!
What is The National Veterans Golden Age Games?
The National Veterans Golden Age Games (NVGAG) is a multi-sport competition (think of it like an Olympics, of sorts) for senior veterans. The event encourages participants to make physical activity a central part of their lives and supports VA’s comprehensive recreation and rehabilitation therapy programs. Competitive events include air rifle, badminton, boccia, bowling, cycling, golf, horseshoes, nine-ball, powerwalk, shuffleboard, swimming, table tennis, and track and field. Exhibition events include air pistol, archery, basketball, blind disc golf, and pickleball. Veterans ages 55 and over will compete in their respective divisions. The games encourage participating veterans to stay active in their home communities, participating in events that are qualifiers for the national games!
What will a volunteer at the games do?
Several thousand opportunities will be available to help with everything from sporting events to hospitality services. Events will take place at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum and Convention Center and surrounding community venues. Opportunities will also available to assist at the Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport and Biloxi hotels. On the sign-up registration form, volunteer opportunities include but are not limited to:
Videographers
Medical volunteers
Set-up/Escort for veterans
Photographers
Exhibition volunteers for the various games
Liaison at the volunteer command center
Data management
Clean up crew (someone has to do it)
Media Room Assistance
Awards
How do I sign up?
Volunteers can find the sign-up form at this site https://www.va.gov/opa/speceven/gag/! Volunteers must be 14 years old and up (unless accompanied by a parent or guardian for their entire shift). You will find the sign-up form broken up into respective days and times across the next two weeks! You can choose one assignment per day and volunteers will receive one meal on their day of choosing! You don't even have to work all week! There is an opportunity for every passion and if you're looking for fodder for your college resumes, you found it! The networking opportunities here are limitless and you're doing a service to your community at the same time! SIGN UP NOW!
Want more on the Golden Games? Check these out
Message from the Director
“The [NVGAG] is one of the largest special events organized by Veterans Affairs,” said Anthony Dawson, CEO/Director of the Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System. “We are excited to host the Games, and have Veterans from south Mississippi, Alabama, and the Florida Panhandle join with Veterans representing all parts of our great country in this very competitive athletic event. We welcome our friends, family members, and community organizations to sign up to volunteer during the week so we can show our Veterans and their families what southern hospitality is all about.”