Serving up competition and connection at the Golden Age Games

Whether it was playing table tennis at the local Boys & Girls Clubs in his hometown of Hampton, Virginia, or basketball games at the community center, David Hill was never one to shy away from keeping score. That lifelong competitive spirit led him to compete at the 2026 Golden Age National Veterans Games in events ranging from table tennis and basketball to swimming, corn and horseshoes.

But at the Games in Tampa, Florida, the retired Navy veteran discovered the best part of the Games wasn’t the medal hanging around his neck at the end of the week.

Those were the people.

More than medals

Hill, who recently ended a 35-year career in government on April 30, returned to the games this year after attending his first competition in Memphis.

“It’s one great experience after another. If you’re a veteran, you have to go,” Hill said. “I always want to win, but it’s also about meeting people. We’re all veterans and just having a good time.”

He has one moment left from last year’s games. After helping his team win gold in three-on-three basketball, he recalled standing on the podium: “The people I played against were the first people to hug me afterwards. There’s a lot of love here.”

Support and community

Hill’s fiancee, Desmonet Vincent, was watching it for the first time.

“I was so excited,” Vincent said. “I didn’t get a chance to go last year, but I’m here this year for the support. I just love this competition with other veterans and the camaraderie.”

Hill credits much of her journey to the encouragement of Monique Harris, a recreational therapist at the Hampton VA Medical Center which for years has encouraged veterans to participate in adaptive sports and recreation programs.

Hill said Harris urged him to attend the games long before he became age-eligible, and when registration issues nearly prevented him from attending last year, she stepped in to make sure he had the chance.

“She told me, ‘You’ve been waiting to do this all this time. We’re going to get you in,'” Hill said. “She supports everyone. She’s everywhere and she does a great job.”

For Harris, it was worth the wait to see Hill finally compete.

“I’m so proud of Hill,” Harris said. “He’s been counting down the years until he’s 55, and when the time came, he was so excited. To finally see him here competing is amazing.”

Playing for more

Even after a heavy loss in table tennis at the beginning of the competition, Hill was not discouraged.

“It was a good match. A good competitor,” Hill said with a smile. “Maybe I’ll see him on the basketball court again. Then I’ll definitely get my revenge.”

For Hill, that’s what games are all about. They are a reminder that healing, friendship and community can thrive long after military service ends, proving that some of life’s greatest victories happen far beyond the results.