During the last week of August (22-29) of this year, the National Veterans Golden Age Games were held in Salt Lake City. Parry T. Drake, commander of Post 160 In Surry, Va., represented the Richmond Veterans Affairs hospital team along with 10 other athletes and two coaches. In attendance were 1,300 athletes from 49 states and teams as large as 150 athletes (California). This event is held every year, rotating around the country in cities where VA hospitals are located. The Richmond team won many medals across many events. Drake competed in several events including the swimming events, receiving two gold medals in the ambulatory division 55-59 age group for the 50m and 25m freestyle, and additionally receiving two silver medals for the 25m breaststroke and 10m air rifle for the same division and age group. During the week of competition 150 veterans were selected out of over 1,000+ attendees to ride on the 2032 and 2034 Winter Olympic bobsled run. Two athletes of the Richmond team were selected, including Drake, and their sled received a 59.93 second run. His response after the run was “the most exciting and intense 60 seconds outside of my military service.” For these athletes to attend this event for the week was a significant cost and was made possible with donations from various organizations and individuals, include Virginia posts 160, 149 and the District 4 chaplain. There were three divisions for athletes wheelchair, visually impaired and ambulatory, with age groups 55-80+. The fight still in these veteran warriors was inspiring and humbling as every athlete had some type of disabling challenge. Many of these athletes participate in the additive sports medicine programs offered by our VA hospitals throughout the country. These programs provide and promote sports therapy, physical activity, social interaction, and most of all comradery with our brother and sister veterans. Drake has been in the adaptive sports program on and off for many years, but trained intensely over the last six months before attending the NVGAG 2024. This was possible with the help of the Richmond VAMC sports medicine staff. Drake said “this will not be my last NVGAG event” and plans to continue training to be able to attend again. He also plans to continue to promote support and knowledge for this event and the warrior athletes who still have the drive to compete.

Parry T. Drake HM1 (SW/FMF) USN Retired