Memphis Veterans Triumph at 2024 National Golden Age Games in Salt Lake City!

Memphis Veterans Shine at National Golden Age Games!

Wow, what an exciting time it is for Memphis and our amazing military veterans! The city recently celebrated a remarkable achievement as local veterans took part in the 2024 National Veteran Golden Age Games held in beautiful Salt Lake City. What’s even more inspiring? This was the first time the **Bluff City Tigers**, representing Memphis’ Lt. Col. Luke Weathers Jr. VA Medical Center, participated, and boy did they make a splash!

A Brand New Team on the Rise

Can you believe that just a year ago, there wasn’t even a team from Memphis? Fast forward to today, and six determined athletes from the Bluff City Tigers have taken on more than 1,100 fellow veterans in a variety of sports. From archery to basketball, and even pickleball, these veterans have proven that they’re not just fighters on the battlefield but also champions on the playing field!

Triumph Against All Odds

One of the most incredible aspects of this team’s journey is that half of its members are visually impaired. Take 70-year-old Navy veteran Calvin Poole, who has adeptly adapted his game despite losing most of his vision to glaucoma. “They tap the goal for me,” Calvin explained, referring to how his teammates assist him using sound. “Just like a bat, you hone-in on it and let it rip!” And rip he did, walking away with a silver medal during the free-throw competition—what a fantastic achievement!

Then there’s Terry Richardson, also a Navy veteran, who has been blind since a rare brain tumor altered his optic nerves while he was serving in Desert Storm. Remarkably, he brought home four medals, including a gold in shuffleboard, beating out another veteran who had partial vision. “Oh, it feels great. I’m very encouraged,” Terry shared, stressing how participating in the games motivates him to stay active and strive for improvement.

Camaraderie and Healing

The games weren’t just about winning for Army veteran Thonda Taylor. At 65 years old, he found that the weekly training sessions at the Memphis VA were invaluable for easing his PTSD. “It was really just a lot of camaraderie,” Thonda said, reflecting on how much he has opened up thanks to his teammates. “Working with a group of men and women here at the VA has really been an awesome experience.”

A Boost to Vitality

Demetrius Butler, a retired Marine, further underscores this spirit. At 65 years old, he was already hitting the gym hard with 100 sit-ups and running three miles to stay fit. At the games, he secured a silver medal in pickleball, but the friendships he forged were just as valuable, making him feel part of a family again. “I thank God the VA allows us to get into the games; it gives us a better outlook on life,” he said.

A Bright Future Ahead

As the Bluff City Tigers returned from Salt Lake City, their excitement is palpable. Next up? Memphis has the honor of hosting the 2025 National Veteran Golden Age Games from May 31 to June 5. This means there’s an opportunity for even more veterans to get involved! To qualify for the Bluff City Tigers, veterans aged 55 or older must be receiving their healthcare at VA Memphis.

Alexander Cade, 70 years old, also brought home a ribbon in disc golf and couldn’t wait to dive back into basketball—something he hadn’t done in 40 years. “You better start training now and training hard because we’re going to be ready for you. I’m fired up!” Alexander enthusiastically urged fellow veterans across the country.

This event has been more than just a competition; it’s a heartfelt celebration of resilience, community, and health. With the support of their coaches and teammates, our Bluff City Tigers have proven that life can be an exciting journey full of challenges and triumphs. We can’t wait to see what the next games will bring!