Hearings to examine veteran health and healing through adaptive sports.
Committee on Veterans' Affairs
2026-02-04
Source: Congress.gov
Summary
No summary available.
Participants
Transcript
Good afternoon, everyone. The committee will come to order, and we welcome our witnesses, certainly those who are here to hear the testimony, and I look forward to Senator Blumenthal joining us shortly. He is on his way. But I'm excited about this hearing, and I'm excited about the time of this hearing in advance of the Olympics and Paralympics and Glad that we're on this path. The VA's Office of National Veterans Sports Programs and Special Events provides veterans with the opportunity for specialized rehabilitative adaptive sporting and creative arts events. These unique events are designed to foster independence, strengthen the community involvement, and improve the overall quality of life for veterans living with disabilities. Through direct programming, adaptive sport grants, and training stipends for elite veteran Paralympic athletes, our country provides veterans recovering from injury as they build new strengths, compete as teammates within a new community, and engage in healthy living through tailored athletic and rehabilitation events. America's service members and veterans are a testament to our nation's strength, resiliency, and determination. And we see that in the veteran athletes competing in VA adaptive sporting events or training to represent our nation in international competitions as part of Team USA. As the 2026 Winter Olympics and Paralympic Games approach in Milan, I want to wish Team USA, especially the veteran athletes representing our nation, every success as they compete. Their dedication and perseverance inspire Americans, inspire the world, inspire other veterans. We're proud to cheer them on. Today, we're honored to welcome two veteran adaptive sport athletes who will share their journeys and how adaptive sports supported their path from rehabilitation to elite competition. I look forward to hearing your stories, discussing the roles these programs play in veterans' health and healing.
I particularly look forward to hearing about how we can make sure that these opportunities are available to all veterans that could benefit from this program. My script says I should yield to the ranking member at this moment, but I'm gonna introduce the witnesses and we're going to proceed. Testifying on this panel is Gabriel George, the Director of Pickleball at Military Adaptive Court Sports and Adaptive Sports Ambassador. Elizabeth Smith, U.S. Navy Aviation Maintenance Administration Man, let me say that different, Administration Man, retired, and Julie Howell, Associate Legislative Director for Paralyzed Veterans of America. I'd also like to acknowledge Mason Simons, a Paralympian medalist, current team member of USA, member and ambassador at Oscar Mike Foundation, who unfortunately could not join us today due to an injury he's recently sustained. His testimony will be made a part of the record, and we wish him a very speedy recovery and thank all of you, all of you for being here this afternoon. Let me Give Senator Blumenthal a moment to turn the page, and then I recognize him for his opening statement. Mr. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
I apologize for my lateness. I went to our other hearing room, but I'm glad to be here and thank the chairman for having this very important hearing. Proud to have you represent our country. You're an example of how adaptive sports can change lives and your dedication and hard work. are really impressive. I applaud the work of VA's physical occupational and recreational therapists, as well as the VSO's, Veterans Service Organizations, and local adaptive sports organizations for delivering this irreplaceable service to our veterans. I look forward to hearing and learning More, I want to offer a thanks to the Gaylord Sports Association and Summit Adaptive Sports Organization based in Connecticut. I've heard veterans in my home state speak about the life-changing experiences that come from these organizations and adaptive sports. One veteran said to me, quote, after I came back from Iraq, I was a mess. I had issues relating to my family. I felt I no longer had a mission in life and everything was in shambles. He went on to say, I had a veteran attend a veteran's. I had a friend attend a veteran's sporting event was amazing, helped me get out of my head. I have regularly attended many various programs since then, and it has increased my social circle and my confidence. I think that those organizations that I thank you for being here today. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. George, you are recognized. All of you will be recognized for your testimony. Thank you. Please proceed. Good evening.
G
Gabriel George
Chairman Moran, Mr. Blumenthal, the members of the community. My name is Gabriel George. I'm a Texas native who honorably served the world's greatest Navy for five years from 2004 until 2009.
Sign up for free to see the full transcript
Accounts help us prevent bots from abusing our site. Accounts are free and will allow you to access the full transcript.