This bill expands eligibility for veterans to participate in military adaptive sports programs by removing the one-year time limit after separation from service.
Brian Mast
Representative
FL-21
The Gaining Meaningful Experiences from Service Act or the GAMES Act, expands eligibility for veterans to participate in military adaptive sports programs by removing the requirement that they apply within one year of separation from service. This change allows more veterans to benefit from these programs, promoting rehabilitation and ongoing engagement in physical activity.
GAMES Act Scraps One-Year Limit, Expanding Veterans' Access to Adaptive Sports Programs Indefinitely
The Gaining Meaningful Experiences from Service Act, or GAMES Act for short, makes a straightforward but significant change to how veterans can access certain support programs. This legislation gets rid of the existing one-year deadline that veterans faced after leaving the military to join specific military adaptive sports programs. The core idea is to ensure that eligibility for these programs isn't cut short by a calendar date.
Uncapping the Timeline for Support
Right now, under section 2564a of title 10, United States Code, veterans generally have a one-year window after their separation from service to get into these adaptive sports programs. These programs are specifically designed by the Department of Defense to support veterans managing injuries, illnesses, or wounds sustained during their service. The GAMES Act simply strikes that time limit. This means whether a veteran separated one year ago or ten years ago, the door to these specialized sports programs remains open if they are otherwise eligible.
Real-World Wins for Veterans
So, what does this look like in practical terms? Imagine a veteran who, several years after transitioning to civilian life, realizes they could really benefit from the physical and mental boost offered by adaptive sports – maybe they're dealing with a lingering service-related injury, or simply looking for a supportive community and a way to stay active. Previously, they might have found that door closed due to the time passed since their service. With the GAMES Act, that barrier is gone. This change directly supports long-term recovery and well-being, allowing veterans to tap into these crucial resources whenever they identify the need, not just in the immediate aftermath of their service. It’s about providing ongoing opportunities for healing, connection, and an active lifestyle through activities tailored to their unique circumstances.