After the 2010 National Veterans Golden Age Games.

The 24th annual National Veterans Golden Age Games is now over and and I thought I'd share a few items with you--our donors, partners and friends.

More than 700 veterans from around the United States competed in a variety of sports and games, swapped stories and relished camaraderie during a week they have been looking forward to all year long. The event is the largest annual senior sports and recreation competition in the world, and is available to military veterans 55 years of age and older. Those who attended competed in ambulatory, wheelchair and visually impaired divisions. Of the total number of veteran participants, 65 were women, and women veterans represent one of the fastest growing segments of the veteran population.

Women veterans have been part of the National Veterans Golden Age Games since the event began, and this year they represented 9% of the attendees. That said, however, the health benefits of competition are the same for everyone, male or female, able-bodied or not. Sports are not only excellent for one's physical well-being, but they are also important for the psychological and social well-being of anyone living in today's world.

HHV is proud to support VA in their goal to provide the best care possible to veterans. Their use of highly innovative sports medicine truly helps all veterans achieve the best health and wellness possible.

My gratitude goes out to all of the dedicated VA staff and coaches as well as the hundreds of volunteers who worked tirelessly in order to achieve a successful event this year. Their efforts made a tremendous difference in the lives of veterans who participated in this years' Games.

And to HHV's most generous contributors, all of this support is made possible you, our generous, patriotic donors. I humbly thank you.

- Mike Lynch

HHV is a co-sponsor of this event along with VA and the Veterans Canteen Service.

Click here for past From the Desk of Mike Lynch issues.