VETERANS COMPETE IN GOLDEN AGE GAMES
More than 1,000 veterans visiting ABQ for senior games
Military retirees from around the country will demonstrate their skill at 21 venues around the city over the next five days.
More than 1,000 military veterans from around the country are heading to Albuquerque this weekend to compete in the National Veterans Golden Age Games.
Competitors — ages 55 and up — will compete for five days at 21 venues around the city in events including basketball, wheelchair bowling and swimming.
“It’s all coming together, and it looks like it’s going to be something Albuquerque will be proud to host,” said Ron Bassford, a spokesman for the New Mexico VA Health Care Center.
The games start Saturday, and 58 New Mexican veterans — “The Rolling Chile Peppers” — will be among those competing for gold.
Gretchen Rieck, who spent 12 years in the Army, will compete in cycling, shuffleboard, air rifle and boccia ball.
It’s her second year competing at the games, and she’s been spending a lot of time preparing for her four events.
“Last year, the first time I picked up an air rifle was at the games, and I came in fourth,” she said. “With a little practice, I think I can take it, so that’s what I’m trying to do this year.”
Rieck also said she’s looking
forward to reuniting with some of the athletes from last year’s games and meeting new ones.
“The best part, to me, is meeting veterans from all over the country that come to these events,” she said.
Bassford said there is still a need for around 500 volunteers, who can sign up for four-hour shifts throughout the games’ five days.
Volunteers will be responsible for escorting athletes to their events, providing water, and assisting scorekeepers and referees.
Close to 2,000 volunteers have already signed up.
There’s no charge to attend and watch the events.
More information is available at www.veteransgoldenagegames.va.gov.