Veterans with visual or mobility impairments play golf in Iowa City

More than 100 Veterans with visual or mobility impairments, blindness and other disabilities hit the golf course at the National Veterans TEE Tournament, September 6 - 10, in and around Iowa City, Iowa.

"Providing Veterans the rehabilitation they need in order to lead a fulfilling active life is what this event is about," Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) Eric K. Shinseki said. "The courage of these Veterans to overcome life's obstacles and soar above their physical limitations is an inspiration to all of us."

Previously a local event, the Tournament became the Department of Veterans Affairs six national rehabilitation program in 2008. The event has expanded to include not only participants who are visually impaired, but also amputees, those who use wheelchairs and some with other disabilities.

This year's event will take place at various golf courses in and around Riverside, Iowa, including the Lake MacBride, Quail Creek, West Liberty, Fox Run and Blue Top Ridge golf courses. The bowling events will take place at Colonial Bowling Lanes in Iowa City.

Participation is open to male and female U.S. military Veterans who are visually impaired or have other disabilities. The participants all receive care at VA medical facilities across the nation, and many utilize VA's comprehensive visual impairment services. Nearly 400 volunteers from the local VA Medical Center in Iowa City and the surrounding area will assist in hosting this event.

The first Tournament was held in 1994 in Nauvoo, Ill. At this inaugural event, there were 36 legally blind Veterans from six Midwestern states. In 1995, the event was moved to the Iowa City area. Now in its 16th year, the Tournament operates as a clinic to promote rehabilitation, fellowship and camaraderie among the participants.