National Veterans Golden Age Games 2027 — Cleveland

The National Veterans Golden Age Games come to Cleveland June 23–29, 2027. VA started the Games in 1985 to show the preventive and therapeutic value of sports medicine for older Veterans, and describes them today as the only multi-sport competition in the world designed to improve quality of life for all older Veterans, including those with a wide range of abilities. VA moves the event to a new city each year; 2027 is Cleveland's turn. The 2027 Games carry 20 medaled sports events across eight age categories — 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80-84, 85-89, and 90 and up — and three divisions: ambulatory, visually impaired, and wheelchair. VA's published sport list includes air pistol, air rifle, archery, badminton, basketball, billiards, boccia, bowling, cornhole, disc golf, golf, horseshoes, pickleball, powerlifting, power walk, shuffleboard, swimming, table tennis, and track and field. Competitors train year-round at their local VA facility with VA recreation therapists and clinicians as their coaches, which is the point of the program's "Fitness for Life" focus: VA research and clinical experience tie sports rehabilitation to weight loss, better management of chronic conditions, and a practical way to destress. Open to U.S. military Veterans who are 55 or older by December 31, 2027 and enrolled in VA health care. If you are not yet enrolled, apply with the Application for Health Benefits (VA Form 10-10EZ) at va.gov. VA has not yet announced the registration window or the Cleveland venues — registration dates are listed as to be announced. Contact Rashonna Avery at GoldenAgeGames@va.gov, or subscribe to VA's Golden Age Games email updates, to hear when registration opens.