The Golden Age Games are going on across the Coast

The 31st National Veterans Golden Age Games are going on in Biloxi and across the Mississippi Coast this week, featuring athletic competition, military solidarity and a demonstration of the human spirit.

Sponsored by the Veterans Affairs department, about competition involves about 800 athletes representing 44 states, the District of Columbia and the Virgin Islands in 14 events.

“It’s really about taking care of veterans, providing an opportunity for them to stay active, fit and to really promote a healthy lifestyle,” said Mike Molina, the games’ public affairs officer. He said the Biloxi VA earned the honor of hosting the games this year after applying and expressing interest.

“Biloxi has an excellent health-care system here,” Molina said. “The Gulf Coast health-care system provides a tremendous base of support for the event. We have staff from the local VA facility here that is really the backbone of the infrastructure for the event.”

Volunteers

Up to 500 local volunteers are providing support for the five days of games.

“This event quite frankly would not be able to happen without that,” Molina said. “We want the community to come out and support the veterans.”

Competing veterans are at least 55 years old. They all have some relationship with their local VA facility, whether it’s getting annual physicals or being treated for long-term wartime injuries. Many are dealing with some form of physical issue, such as being confined to a wheelchair or being an amputee.

More than medals

Though striving to win gold, silver and bronze medals in their events (also ribbons for up to sixth place) are important, the athletes are at the games for even-more meaningful benefits as well.

“It’s mostly the camaraderie for us collectively,” said Karen Brun, 55. “It’s not about just winning or losing.

“It’s like a second family, being able to walk into any place in the military when you were in uniform and instantly bond with people.”

Brun, who served 33 years on active duty and now lives in northern Michigan, considers herself a “rookie” at the games, having been inspired by those athletes representing different eras of military life.

“I’m only 55, compared to the World War II veterans here in their 90s and taking on a lot more than I am,” said Brun, who is competing in air rifle, table tennis, the 5K bike ride and speed walking. “It really gives me inspiration that you can stay active and healthy, both physically and mentally, for many, many years.

“You have all military branches, men and women … they fought in World War II, Desert Storm (etc.). It doesn’t matter what their backgrounds are, what your beliefs are or where you came from or what you look like, it becomes your family.”

Octogenarian

Millard Reed, 83, from Reno, Nevada, agrees about the bonding.

“It’s the sharing of camaraderie of fellow servicemen and the sport of competition. It’s just amazing, you wish everyone well and just being here is a pleasure.”

Reed, whose vision is impaired, is in his 10th year at the games. He is competing in horseshoes, shuffleboard, boccia ball and bowling. He has won gold in shuffleboard, silver in Boccia and has been able to medal every year.

Main hub

The Coast Coliseum & Convention Center is the main hub for the games.

The Biloxi Natatorium is hosting the swimming events, St. Patrick High School is hosting the track-and-field events and Keesler Air Force Base is hosting bowling. The Gulfport Sportsplex, Hiller Park, The Oaks Golf Course in Pass Christian and Cypress Lanes are also serving as venues.

The Golden Age Games will run through Thursday.

Linda Bowers goes against Alphonso Ogletree in a Boccia Ball match at the Golden Age Games.’

Gordon Jackson

Special to the Sun Herald

James Laugheed (left) tries to make a play on his opponent Chris Zimmer during Shuffleboard competition at the Golden Age Games.

This story was originally published May 10, 2017 at 12:00 AM with the headline "The Golden Age Games are going on across the Coast."