National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic

Registration for the 2022 National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic (NVSSC) is open until April 1 and limited to the first 150 Veteran applicants who submit the required paperwork.

Participation is open to Veterans whose current rehabilitation goals would benefit from the value of adaptive summer sports and is open to Veterans eligible for care and actively engaged in VA health care, including physical rehabilitation, mental health, blind rehabilitation, spinal cord injury, etc. Qualifying disabilities include spinal cord injuries, amputations, visual impairments, neurological conditions, PTSD, burns and TBI/poly trauma. All disabilities are subject to review by the NVSSC medical director and NVSSC director. Their decisions are final.

NVSSC is a rehabilitation sports and recreation program for Veterans with disabilities which will take place in San Diego Aug. 7-12. It is hosted by the VA San Diego Healthcare System, along with presenting sponsor, Wounded Warrior Project, the Veterans Canteen Service and dozens of other partners.

“The National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic exemplifies VA’s commitment to improve the quality of life for Veterans with disabilities,” said NVSSC Director Maggie Kremer. “The mission of this innovative program is to provide a training ground for both Veterans and health care providers in exciting outdoor summer sports. Our overall objective is to instill the rehabilitation value of leisure pursuits as a viable means to aid in community reintegration and build a strong foundation which will further Veterans’ dedication to better health and a rewarding lifestyle.”

Army Veteran Adam Greathouse is a past NVSSC participant, and he said the event is one of the highlights of his rehabilitation.

“I absolutely loved the challenge and opportunity to surf,” Greathouse said. “Feeling nervous and unsure – riding that wave in – what a confidence builder that was. If any Veterans out there are thinking about going to the National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic, I would highly recommend you accept that challenge. I did, and it helped change my life.”

VA remains committed to honoring our nation’s Veterans by ensuring a safe environment to deliver exceptional health care. As such, NVSSC will follow a COVID-19 plan which will be integrated into the operations of the in-person event for 2022.

To register or learn more about NVCCS, visit www.summersportsclinic.va.gov and follow VA Adaptive Sports Programs on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram at @Sports4Vets.