Today, more than 100 recently injured Veterans are gathered in San Diego for the National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic, a special rehabilitation-related sporting event, sponsored by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki will host the opening ceremony at Point Loma Naval Base.
"The Summer Sports Clinic is proof of VA's commitment to improve quality of life for Veterans with disabilities," said Shinseki. "The clinic helps our most severely injured Veterans gain physical and mental confidence."
In its fourth year, this annual event is open to Veterans injured within the past six years. The clinic will last five days, Sept. 18 - 23.
Participants' injuries include orthopedic amputations, traumatic brain injuries, burn injuries, psychological trauma, certain neurological conditions, visual impairments, spinal cord injuries as well as many other injuries. Events include adaptive kayaking, sailing, track and field, cycling and surfing.
This year's Summer Sports Clinic is sponsored by original founding sponsors, Help Hospitalized Veterans and the Veterans Canteen Service; host sponsors, San Diego Marriott Marquis and Marina and Cisco Systems, Inc.; as well as national sponsors, Health Net, Booz Allen Hamilton and Challenged America. The VA San Diego Healthcare System has hosted the event since its start in 2008.
"During this week-long event, participants will be surrounded by fellow Veterans who share common bonds though their service and injuries," said Dr. Robert Petzel, VA's under secretary for health. "The clinic helps wounded Veterans return to active lifestyle through physical and mental rehabilitation."
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