Navy Veteran participates in Veterans Golden Age Games

Phoenix resident and Navy Veteran Mike Smith is excited about competing with fellow Veterans at the 38th National Veterans Golden Age Games in Salt Lake City, Utah.

The National Veterans Golden Age Games offers Veterans ages 55 and older a chance to compete in sports and learn new skills through exhibitions. Through its "Fitness for Life" motto, it demonstrates the value that sports, wellness and fitness provides-as well as encourages-older Veterans to stay active.

Smith exemplifies this motto every day. He plays and participates in archery, sled hockey, wheelchair football, wheelchair softball, pickleball, wheelchair pickleball, wheelchair tennis, air rifle and wheelchair basketball.

He also trains daily and encourages peers to train as well. He coaches youth athletes and Veterans. He encourages everyone to try each sport and then helps them develop a training regimen. Smith coaches youth in archery with Arizona Disabled Sports, a local non-profit organization, and participates with Ability360's wheelchair sports teams. He also attends bi-weekly practices with Coyotes Sled Hockey.

Smith, who was involved in a in helicopter crash and lost the lower part of his left leg, came to compete in the games by playing adaptive sports with the Phoenix VA Adaptive Sports and Arts program.

Participating this year for a second time, it allows him to communicate with other Veterans and relive the brotherhood and sisterhood of his military days. "This rehabilitation sports event inspires me because it has kept me motivated, allows me to continue to do the things I love and when I'm stressed, and it gives me an outlet to get away," he shared.

Smith plans to compete in pickleball doubles, pickleball coed doubles, badminton, badminton doubles, archery, golf and air rifle. The Golden Age Games are held annually and is a qualifying event for the National Senior Games.