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For the past eight weeks, a small but determined group of Veterans has been learning the ins and outs of one of the nation’s fastest-growing sports — pickleball — at the Atlanta VA Health

Care System. Led by Recreation Therapist Nicholas Johnson, the clinic was designed to help Veterans gain confidence, improve their skills, and prepare for national competition.  “This is a

beginner’s clinic,” said Johnson. “We teach Veterans the basics of pickleball — how to hit the ball, techniques they can use both in friendly matches and in competition.”  The clinic wrapped

up its final session this week, just in time for a group of Veterans to travel to Memphis, Tennessee, where they’ll compete in the National Veteran Golden Age Games, held May 30 to June 5.

  Open to Veterans aged 55 and older who receive VA care, the Golden Age Games is one of several adaptive sporting events sponsored by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs through the

National Veterans Sports Programs and Special Events office.  Other events include:  * The National Veteran Wheelchair Games  * The National Veteran Summer Sports Clinic  * The National

Veteran Winter Sports Clinic  * The National Disabled Veterans Golf Clinic  * The National Veterans Creative Arts Festival  “These programs give our Veterans a different way to work toward

their rehab goals,” Johnson said. “Some may need physical therapy for a knee injury — others can use adaptive sports like pickleball to achieve those same results, while also building

confidence and camaraderie.”  The clinic is part of the VA’s broader recreation therapy offerings, which provide therapeutic opportunities to improve physical and emotional health. 

“Recreation therapy is a great way to get involved,” Johnson added. “I encourage every Veteran to explore adaptive sports. If you’re interested, just reach out to our recreation therapy

department — we’ll help you find a program that fits.”  To learn more about the National Veterans Golden Age Games and other adaptive sports programs, visit

https://department.va.gov/veteran-sports/national-veterans-golden-age-games/