Connecting Disabled Veterans with Golf Enriches Lives at Iowa Event

WASHINGTON – Nearly 240 Veterans with injuries and other disabilities will be in Iowa to participate in the National Veterans TEE (Training, Exposure, and Experience) Tournament Sept. 12-15.

“Golf is not an easy game, especially for disabled Veterans who must concentrate on more than just their swing,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki.  “The physical and mental challenges of golf  and these other events helps these heroes restart and revitalize their lives.”

Sponsored by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and supported by over 300 volunteers and numerous corporate sponsors, the National Veterans TEE Tournament provides Veterans with disabilities the opportunity to develop new skills and strengthen their confidence through adaptive golf.  Activities also include bowling, horseback riding, kayaking and other recreational sports.

Veterans will golf at various local courses, including Lake MacBride in Solon, Quail Creek in North Liberty, West Liberty Country Club, Iowa City Elks Country Club and Riverside Casino Blue Top Ridge golf courses.  The bowling will take place at Colonial Lanes in Iowa City.

The first tournament was held in 1994 in Nauvoo, Ill., originally as a local program for legally blind Veterans and drew 36 Veterans from six Midwestern states.  In 1995, the event moved to the Iowa City area. The TEE Tournament was added by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) as a national rehabilitation program in 2008.  The tournament has been expanded to include not only Veterans who are legally blind, but those with other disabilities.

Participation is open to U.S. military Veterans with visual impairments, amputations, traumatic brain injuries, multiple sclerosis, neuromuscular conditions, neurological conditions and spinal cord injuries.  The participants receive care at VA medical facilities across the nation, and many use VA’s comprehensive visual impairment services.

VA is a health care leader in rehabilitation, with a commitment to serve all Veterans, men and women, past and present.  The Tournament is hosted by the Iowa City VA Health Care System, with sponsorship support provided by Help Hospitalized Veterans, Veterans Canteen Service and many other organizations.

For more information about the National Veterans TEE Tournament visit the website at www.tee.va.gov.

Media Contact: Annie Tuttle, National Veterans TEE Tournament Public Affairs Coordinator (909) 953-1370 or [email protected].

Event Information:  Kirt Sickels, National Veterans TEE Tournament Director (319) 358-5963 or [email protected]