WASHINGTON – Last week, Senators Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) and Jim Banks (R-IN) introduced the GAMES Act to remove the one-year, post-discharge limitation on veterans’ participation in Department of War (DoW) adaptive sports programs to enable more people to participate.
“Adaptive sports programs give veterans a way to stay active, manage PTSD, and find community. But right now, veterans can only access these programs for one year after discharge. As an Iraq veteran, I can tell you that it takes a lot longer than one year to heal,” said Senator Gallego. “I’m proud to introduce this bill to make sure more veterans can access the programs that help them get back on their feet.”
“Adaptive sports are proven to be very beneficial for veterans. The GAMES Act cuts red tape so more veterans can join programs that help improve their physical and mental health,” said Senator Banks.
Veterans who participate in sports and regular exercise report higher self-esteem, lower levels of depression and anxiety, and reduced stress. Overall, physical activity is associated with decreased symptoms of PTSD.
The Department of War (DoW) operates the Warrior and Invictus Games and other adaptive sports programs for servicemembers and veterans. These programs are limited to current servicemembers injured in the line of duty and veterans with service-connected disabilities who participated in adaptive sports during their military service who have discharged within the last year. The GAMES Act would remove this one-year, post-discharge cap.
“Wounded Warrior Project applauds Senator Banks and Senator Gallego for introducing the GAMES Act, which expands access to the Warrior and Invictus Games for more wounded veterans. This bill reflects a growing recognition that competitive and community-based adaptive sports play a vital role in the long-term health and reintegration of our nation’s wounded warriors. We urge the 119th Congress to pass this bipartisan bill and send it to the President’s desk,” said Jose Ramos, Vice President of Government and Community Relations at Wounded Warrior Project.
Read the full bill text HERE.