VA is accepting applications from Veterans interested in participating in the 2021 National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic (NVSSC) at Home. The deadline to register is June 30. The deadline to submit medical exam forms is July 15.
Veterans can experience surfing, kayaking, sailing, cycling and adaptive fitness, and choose from offerings of yoga, meditation, nutrition, cooking and creative arts at more than 30 in-person locations across the country. To register, please CLICK HERE. Additional registration information is available online at www.summersportsclinic.va.gov.
“We’re so excited to bring this first-ever National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic at Home to more than 40 cities across the country,” said Maggie Kremer, director NVSSC. “From free Fitbits and free equipment to performance incentives throughout the Clinic, we’ve designed an incredible program and we’re looking forward to helping our Veterans stay fit and active this summer wherever they are.”
Free Fitbit for first 250 to register and complete the program
The 2021 National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic at Home is free to all Veterans who complete the registration process and are accepted to participate. The first 250 Veterans to complete registration, submit medical exam forms and participate in events are eligible to receive a new Fitbit Sense smartwatch, one-year membership to Fitbit Premium, and access to one-on-one Fitbit Health Coaching.
Every participating Veteran will receive a customized box filled with items to help them start their journey to a healthier lifestyle.
Registration is first come, first served and participation is capped at 500 Veterans. Participants must pay for their own transportation to and from the in-person venue site(s), including any incidentals.
The current list of available locations includes:
| Mobile, AL | Miami, FL | Perry Point, MD | Rye Beach, OR |
| Palo Alto, CA | St. Petersburg, FL | Minneapolis, MN | Susquehanna Valley, PA |
| San Diego, CA | Cocoa Beach, FL | St. Louis, MO | Middletown, RI |
| Los Angeles, CA | Augusta, GA | Winston Salem, NC | Columbia, SC |
| Fresno, CA | Oahu, HI | Fort Bragg, NC | San Antonio, TX |
| Denver, CO | Des Moines, IA | Asheville, NC | Salt Lake City, UT |
| Colorado Springs, CO | Boise, ID | Four Corners, NM | Park City, UT |
| Washington, DC | Chicago, IL | New York, NY | Spokane, WA |
| Tampa, FL | New Orleans, LA | Rockway, NY | Milwaukee, WI |
| Jacksonville, FL | Boston, MA | Canton, OH | Martinsburg, WV |
Apply now, only 500 spaces available
Veterans are encouraged to register early, as participation is limited for this exciting event. Veterans who have been accepted to participate will be notified once registration closes.
Watch the excitement
See the experience for yourself. Watch some of the latest highlights from the National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic.
To register or for more information, visit www.summersportsclinic.va.gov.
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If there’s something in Virginia, Id like to volunteer to work!!! Please get something in my area.
I don’t think I’ll be driving out-of-state for a CHANCE at a watch that tells me when I’m breathing hard… What a drop in a bucket with a hole in the bottom.
After Covid I am so ready for something like this. I would even be willing to drive or fly to another area. BUT it is so limited that it fill to capacity on the first day?!?! If, as stated, “Where: All registered Veterans will participate live in the ZOOM activity-based sessions for the virtual event…” why can’t more vets participate online? I understand an online interactive event can only host a smaller number of people, but can’t something be done? Look at the responses just in 24 hours.
In 1968 when I enlisted in the Corps the recruiter (the government) said all my health needs including dental were to be given for life. Then many years later I was denied dental ,oh you need to be disable
l was told 100 %. Can you believe the government lied. By the way ” thank you for service’ what a slap in the face. Some we must unite.
Folks, so much btchin….come on! It’s a trial program, the funding is limited, and they want to see how it will be recieved as well as managed and run. Of course it’s going to fill up fast. The VA is trying….give ‘em a break. If you focus on that and be happy about that you’ll improve your mood. If you need someone to help you will that contact, “Giveanhour” and see if you can find a therapist in your state for free who can work with you online.
I agree…complaining doesn’t help anything. We all know the saying…if you’re not part of the solution, you’re part of the problem. Let’s focus our energy on trying to HELP build programs for vets, expand ones that exist. We’re trained to be leaders, are we not? Let us act like it and get involved to see what we can do to help out. There are vets that cannot help, so those of us that are able, let’s do it for their sake.
Exactly! Stop your bitching people oh, this is a trial program let him see if it’s successful. I’ve had nothing but exemplary service from the VA being disabled. They are trying. If you want more of this in your state contact the VA tell then you’re interested get involved!
To all those complaining about this program not being available in your city, let’s call our local VA and see if we can start a local fit program to help each other out. The first steps are those that leaders take. Im calling mine in dayton ohio.
Nope…Can’t participate. There is no program listed for my area of the country. I have to say that I am not one of the chosen few (500 out of 27,000,000) veterans. Thanks for the heads up anyway.
And what about Oklahoma!? Never do I see anything, and I mean anything in here for Oklahoma. It’s like this state doesn’t even exist. I didn’t retire here but unfortunately work took me here and this is where I’m at. But never does anything come anywhere even remotely close to this place. And it’s funny that the second these emails are sent out, they’re already full. So even if we wanted to join we couldn’t. These events are such a joke. Always for only a few and always in the same areas so the same people get to participate!
Customer no service. =(
National?
I think not.
The lack of thought that went into this makes it look like a scam. I would not be surprised if this is just a “token” program designed to have the appearance of helping vets when in reality it is a scam to steal government money that was apportioned for veterans and put it the pockets of a few underhanded con artists.
If you people had any morals, ethics, or values (other than self-serving) – you guys should be ashamed of yourselves.
Its sad really, the number of geographical regions that are ignored by your con is overwhelming – yet another indication this is a con. Not to mention the number of states that have zero mention.
So, what to do? First if this is a con (like it appears) – you should shut it down immediately and return the stolen money. Second, find people that earnestly want to help veterans with their health and mobility and show them how to access the government funds to establish a TRUE veteran program. Third, talk to veterans that actually want the help and design programs BY THEM. Fourth, if this is a true HOME program, establish a free app that veterans can download where we can communicate with other veterans who are in the various stages of health and fitness. From veterans who are struggling to know what to eat, or how to move, to veterans who have obtained their goals and want to help other veterans. It wouldn’t hurt to have a few veterans who are medial professionals who know and care about OUR issues. Finally, make it available to ALL veterans where ever they are. No veteran should have to feel rejected or undervalued like your program does.
Wake up people! There are millions of veterans that need and want to help and coaching that don’t live anywhere near where your chosen few are. You have disserved every single veteran that served these united states – and you should be ashamed.
Dr. Kahala,
I believe your comment is one of the best things I have seen on a VA site that’s actually the Truth. I my self being discussed at all the Veteran based programs, Non Profits as well. Their are genuine Citizens and service member that want to help Veteran’s and are being Deceived beyond belief. I pray for all involved.
One off the top of my head is policy’s being passed for transgender medical operations for Veterans, the thought, time, money, space that could go to their lacking mental health services due to the what are Military does and safety they provide and their whole mission statement. The mission statement of the department of Veteran Affairs is all but backwards proof is the service they Don’t provide what about all the lies from the department of Veteran Affairs of simple processing C&P exams, and percentages for those. The one that gets me is the Veteran Suicide Rate this is one of the Veteran Affairs favorites to Lie and make money for their sole gain at the same time.
I seen your post and thought Amen here is some telling the truth along with simple ideas that would benefit people. I would say keep calling this organisation and others out until they have their own feet put to the fire!
I just received the email and tried to register. I was prompted that the event is already full and the registration is closed. Pretty discouraging, especially when it’s advertised that you can participate virtually.
That closed fast. It is already full. Very discouraging.
Please registrar me for the summer program. my work computer was blocking access to the registration site
please assist
Well… this is typical. 100’s of thousands of veterans and only 500 veterans can participate in this program. And to add salt to the wound….participation was limited to only a few cities. How “special” for them!!!
Of course as soon as I received the email and opened the link… all 500 slots were already taken.
Where’s the medical exam form? And why is there nothing for swimming?
I know this will probably not get read or a response from VA but I will give it a try. First is why send out and email for the Vets Summer Sports Clinic at Home if registration is already full? Really sad to get individuals excited about something only to smash them because it is full. Second: why is there not a location here in Kentucky where I live and how can we get one here to start this program. There areVets here that would love to do this. I myself would be more than willing to help out and or get involved in getting something like this up and running if needed. I am a retired Vet and miss that feeling of comradely with fellow brothers and sisters. This is really disappointing for this to happen. Again I do offer my assistance/help to get a program like this started here in the great state of Kentucky.
This is such a small scale event with so few locations. One in Texas. Really??? None in my state. This smells like we get to say we did something but little to no thought in how to carry it out in a manner worthy of your mission. Free Fit Bit seems nice but a pitiful action plan.
I was born and raised in AZ! Live in Prescott Valley AZ! Very few events! Very poor Hospital! Constantly sent to Phoenix for health care! Sad situation!
This looks like yet another failure of the VA. If this was an at home clinic it should be an app we can all download and make specific to our health limitations and injuries or weight specific. It should not be limited to 500! That is insane. Who came up with this nonsense? Go back to the drawing board and get back to work helping veterans on a large scale. Maybe think about getting veterans free access to the best fitness and nutrition apps and a Facebook group where these app users can check in and encourage each other. If you want to give stuff away as a motivator use the app or group chats upon achievements. For example upon 5lbs, 10 lbs etc weight loss kept off a coupon for a free orange Julius healthy beverage, or a discount to something like that. And after so many weeks or months of dedication to the fitness program maybe a workout shirt etc. think bigger there are hundreds of thousands of us vets who want to be fit and love group things, that’s a huge part of the military is building each other up and helping motivate one another not saying oh sorry we forgot to email this information out in February when it opened so the rest of you are too late but maybe next year.
This is an awesome post well stated and not accusatory but offering solutions to the issues presented. Well thought out and very well stated, I hope someone who cares and is in a position to do something actually reads this particular post and takes the reins and does something about the current situation. Thank you for writing this post and offering viable solutions.
We need events in Southwest GA area please
Thank you for the initiative of getting veterans moving, I’ll love to help locally, I’m in Az
When is the VA going to help me get new teeth?? Since I have no military related injuries, I’m screwed.
How can individuals become ambassadors to provide an activity in underserved locations? I know many individuals in Coastal Virginia who would love to provide a veteran activity on the water. As the fastest growing VA in the nation, I was surprised to not see Hampton, VA listed but also know that the program can only provide activities when they are identified locally. How can we fix it in the future?
I could really use a FitBit but I’m amazed that The Lovell Federal Health Care Center in North Chicago, Illinois is not offering this. Let me know if you expand this program. Thanks.
Be nice if you would have something in Wichita, KS. Especially when we have a Very big Medical Hospital. Heck there is nothing even in Kansas City. Very disappointed that you are having such a nice event that you could not coordinate it by regions so more people could participate. Not fair.
Thank you so much for this project. It seems the introductory year was a success in terms of filling up spots. Hopefully next year there will be more spots and more locations! Thank you!
How did you select the locations?
To Whom It May Concern:
I am interested in participating in this summer program. Would there be a program like this in the United States Virgin Islands? I am a Fitbit user and this program will get me moving and become more active.
Thanks,
Kim
I am 76 and in poor physical shape. Is there any kind of a program for persons like me?
Bill Braniff. Maine
Are you looking for donations?
I would like to participate in the summer sport clinic. I live near Boston MA.
I think that I am beyond the ability for Fitness. Having serious health problems, including Vertigo….which even causes falling.
Why only to 40 cities this should have been open to all veterans and to every VA hospital in the nation, I want to join this but it is not in my area for either of the two VA hospitals close to me to join.
This is so wrong that millions of Veterans like myself are able to join in on this that could have because the VA once again limits things to Veterans when it should open to all Veterans in every area not just some areas.
Directions for submitting a completed medical form are extremely vague.
Well that sucks!
I get the email…go to register and I’m told:
SORRY WE HAVE REACHED OUR REGISTRATION LIMIT. REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED. Please check out our website http://www.summersportsclinic.va.gov next year to register for NVSSC 2022!
I guess the bots all registered for the spots before the e-mails went out…
So that was filled In a matter of minutes. I think you need to look at the programs in a larger scale. You only offered it for 250? Of course there is no chance of getting in.
Same. Terrible. Most every program they email me, I try to sign up within 6- 12 hours or so of receiving the email… Full. Do I sit by my email just waiting to pounce on emails? Very disappointing.
I wish was available in NC
I will like to register for 2021 Summer Sports Clinic. Thank you.
I would like to be a part of the sport clinic but I am in Monterey Ca and it isn’t on the list
This right here! There needs to be a lot more of this.
I would love to register for this but the closest event to me is a 4 hour drive one way and with the price of gas I just can’t afford it!
You call this a “National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic at Home” which implies that this is designed as a program for us to do at our own home. But you say in the article that “Participants must pay for their own transportation to and from the in-person venue site(s)” which means that it is not at our home and we have to go to a specific location. So which is it? Something we do at home or something we have to do at a VA site?
Hi there,
Just saw the VA notice for this and then discovered registration opened in February. And possibly Rye Beach OR is actually Nye Beach OR? Needless to say I was too late for 2021. Any help available to get registered for 2022?
Thanks much.
I would like to join this program, but there is no link for the physical forms, or anything else. Could you please send me more details?
Thanks,
Doug Mihalik
Why is it called “National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic at Home”? It doesn’t seem to be at home.
I wish there was something in Omaha Nebraska. Also is there programs that are offered for weight loss for people with disabilities that keep them from doing certain exercises?
It’s a shame Philadelphia was not included. This area, the Tri—State area (NJ, PA, and De) have a substantial number of Veterans, yet we are constantly excluded from events such as this. Ridiculous.
Mike,
We need a clinic in NorCal.
I wish Birminham, AL was on the list of locations.
Hello,
Hope all is well. I’m very interested in this summer sports program, but I live in Virginia Beach, VA. I would like to know if the program will be offered to the Veterans at VAMC in Hampton, Virginia. Thank you and have a blessed day!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Sharon Tucker
I had a single heart by pass also a double clots in both lung surgery. So at this time I’m working out it a hospital gym so I can have a better life with my wife of 42 married. If everything works out for me I’ll be running again maybe 2 miles at first, then start running 2 – 7 miles three or more days a week. Maybe more in the future like 4 – 9 miles four days a week.
There is nothing in arizona.
I would love to participate! However, there are no participating locations near me (Sylvester, GA).
Very disappointed
Bring something to Centeral Alaska. It would be nice to do some of these things but central Alaska is always forgotten.
Little hard to register for something that is not even offerd in ones state.
Wish Omaha was on the list
I’d love to participate
I want to be active
Would love to this but as usual the VA in VT doesn’t participate .
This seems like its going to be an amazing event! I wanted to sign up so bad but unfortunately, there is no Az. location yet. I hope to see Az. on a future list. Thank you.
I am interested as veterans with % disability ready to move to Florida