Registration is closed.
Attendance Eligibility: Due to the large Veteran population we wish to serve, Veterans will be eligible to attend up to two years. Priority registration will be given to first year applicants and Veterans that have never attended another National Veterans Sports Programs and Special Events clinic. Special considerations will be taken on a case by case basis dependent on a Veterans circumstance. This will enable past attendees to continue to develop positive rehabilitation skills and coping mechanisms as well as serve as role models and mentors to the Veterans attending for the first time.
Founded in 2008, the National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic introduces Veterans to the world of adaptive sports and summer activities by providing access and experiential learning to surfing, sailing, kayaking, cycling and adaptive fitness. The goal of the clinic is to improve Veterans’ overall physical and mental health.
The National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic is organized by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs with support from numerous sponsors. VA San Diego Healthcare System serves as the local host each year.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
VA is committed to improving the quality of life for Veterans with disabilities. Participants will develop sports skills and take part in a variety of adaptive sports workshops. Clinic participation demonstrates that having a physical or visual disability is not an obstacle to an active rewarding life.
Presenting Sponsor:
Wounded Warrior Project
Wounded Warrior Project is proud to be the Presenting Sponsor of the National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic and is honored to work with the Department of Veterans Affairs to support veterans on their journey to fitness and rehabilitation through sports. Since 2003, Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) has been meeting the growing needs of warriors, their families, and caregivers — helping them achieve their highest ambition. Learn more.
Founding Sponsor:
Veterans Canteen Service (VCS)
VCS is proud to be a part of the Department of Veterans Affairs. As a self-sustaining entity, VCS provides merchandise and services to Veterans enrolled in VA’s Health Care System, their families, caregivers, VA employees, volunteers and visitors. We are honored to “give back” to the VA through many programs established for the health and well-being of our nation’s heroes. Revenues generated from VCS are used to support a variety of Veteran programs.
Host:
VA San Diego Healthcare System
The adaptive sports program is designed for Veterans whose current rehabilitation goals would benefit from the value of adaptive summer sports. Prior NVSSC events have served Veterans living with spinal cord injuries, amputations, visual impairments, neurological conditions, PTSD, burns, and TBI/Poly Trauma. NVSSC is open to all Veterans enrolled in VA health care. All applications are subject to review by the NVSSC Medical Director and NVSSC Director.
*Participation in the 2021 NVSSC At HOME does NOT guarantee eligibility for future NVSSC in-person events.
Veteran Profile Videos from the 2018 NVSCC
Larry Karlin, Ambassador of Healing
Evan Gildersleeve on the NVSSC
Evan Gildersleeve on the NVSSC
US Army Veteran, Kenneth Best
Assisting Veterans at the NVSSC
Mobile 3D printing at the NVSSC
The American Veteran Reports
What is the National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic?
The National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic (NVSSC) promotes rehabilitation of body and spirit by teaching summer sporting activities to Veterans with significant physical or psychological impairments. The clinic features adaptive surfing, sailing, cycling (hand and tandem), adaptive fitness and kayaking.
Who can participate in the Clinic?
Participation is open to U.S. military service Veterans living with spinal cord injuries, amputations, visual impairments, neurological conditions, PTSD, burns, TBI/poly trauma and other eligible injuries incurred in the last six years.
When is the Summer Sports Clinic?
The clinic takes place Aug. 7-12, 2022.
Where is the Summer Sports Clinic taking place?
The 2022 clinic will be held in the beautiful city of San Diego, California.
Is there funding available for Veterans attending the Summer Sports Clinic?
Contact the Veterans Affairs Medical Center where you receive care, or a local Veterans Service Organization (VSO) for additional information.
What do I need to bring with me to the event?
Participants should bring clothes for hot weather, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, medication and personal identification.
How are meals handled at the Summer Sports Clinic?
Meals will be provided to all of the Veteran participants.
San Diego, CA - September 18 - 23