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.national veterans summer sports clinic man on surf board

Download the NVSSC Poster (232 kb).

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.

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23 Comments

  1. Scott Phillips March 7, 2022 at 08:25

    Why don’t we have an Olympic style event for (disabled)veterans? Like alpine skiing sports? I would love to participate in that!!!

  2. Jamie February 25, 2022 at 17:50

    Sounds like an opportunity for me to get over my fear of open water and fish. And help with other physical therapy benefits. Hoping to get the opportunity. I am curious about funding and lodging?

  3. Patrick Phelps February 24, 2022 at 15:53

    Many have expressed similar questions and concerns. I have yet to see a program like this here in the mid-south. Even more so, not all vets who could benefit greatly from such programs actually meet the technical definition of “disabled,” but still suffer from circumstances that cause hardships that are just as debilitating.

  4. Richard Pint February 24, 2022 at 15:22

    I’m interested. Vision very bad; spinal cord disease,. Viet-nam vet. How do I get there? What are the costs?
    Can’t stand up without walker or wheelchair. Have kayak in the past. Tell me more.
    Richard Pint

  5. Judith February 24, 2022 at 13:09

    Really? 5 days worth in August in California? Who pays for this? How much does it cost? Why can’t you provide things like this in Ohio. Fishing, hunting, and even swimming plus hiking, and a summer camp. California is too far away. And then you only take 150?
    Sorry, can’t go…I got no money.

  6. Dewayne Atkins February 24, 2022 at 11:14

    Do you pay for your own travel?

    • Ann McGillicuddy February 25, 2022 at 01:53

      It’s free! There are Numerous free Veterans programs throughout the country paid for by donations! 150 out of Millions of us in need isn’t cool. I’d drop from heat stroke in the California heat. Best wishes. Look up Veterans Retreats. My VA in Bedford Massachusetts offers “Recreational Therapy” thru the Mental Health outpatient services for my own PTSD. They’ve been outstanding. Tons of programs all for free!!

  7. Marva M Johnson February 24, 2022 at 10:38

    What are my chanches for getting into the program if I meet all the requirements. I am a vietnam era veteran.

  8. Greg McClellan February 24, 2022 at 10:33

    I would love to attend

  9. Anthony McCoy February 24, 2022 at 10:15

    I am a veteran, not disabled but a very still. Interested in this challenge and always have loved one. What does it take to actually be considered to become involved?

  10. Michael Steinbrook February 24, 2022 at 09:44

    Why is it these events are never local for veterans in there geography location always California or Florida ect

    • Michael Thomas February 24, 2022 at 12:32

      Good call SSGT STEINBROOK!

      What’s up brother? It’s Thomas from ADT 2.

  11. Melvin L Johnson February 24, 2022 at 09:08

    Is basketball involved

  12. Andres Portela Sr February 24, 2022 at 08:54

    I want to do this so bad. My TBI, depression, back… I really need this.

  13. David Donaldson February 24, 2022 at 08:30

    I’m interested

  14. Guny J Aragon February 23, 2022 at 20:56

    Any sport I will be able to adapt and learn

  15. James O. Bradford February 23, 2022 at 19:17

    I’m a legally blind veteran. Will archery be offered at this SPORTS CLINIC?
    I will be using a crossbow, because of my back issues. I have an letter from my Primary Care Doctor concerning this back issue.
    I have my own bow and all the items needed to shoot.
    Will transport be provided for DAV?
    Thank you.

  16. Alejandro A. Guerrero February 23, 2022 at 19:03

    I am interested. How do I get there?

  17. Terry Keith February 23, 2022 at 19:02

    How come you don’t have local sports clinics for disabled vets like bowling and other sports like that?

  18. bruce boice February 23, 2022 at 18:48

    can vietnam veterans apply

  19. GARY WISDOM February 23, 2022 at 18:11

    What is required to be able to get involved with this

  20. Jeff Spurr February 23, 2022 at 18:10

    Would love to attend.

  21. German Sanchez February 23, 2022 at 18:03

    I am a disabled veteran with PTSD i experienced the last Summer Sports Veteran Clinic in San Diego it’s a great experience i met Veterans out there from different states and still touch with some of the Veterans that went the Summer Sports Clinic it’s great get away from New York City out there with Veterans . I love the Sailing ⛵️ and Surfing plus Kayaking, biking ‍♀️ riding , rock climbing ‍♀️. My name is German Sanchez was in the US Marines and US Army in Panama and trained the US Army Veterans for Derset Storm .

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