National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic takes place in San Diego

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5.KUSI) -- This week, 150 military veterans from across the United States are participating in the National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic in San Diego, aimed at helping recently injured veterans adapt to new challenges through adaptive sports.

The clinic, organized by the Department of Veterans Affairs, offers veterans hands-on training in various adaptive sports, including surfing, cycling, kayaking, sailing, and even fitness. This initiative is designed to improve the quality of life for veterans who have sustained injuries, demonstrating that they can still enjoy an active lifestyle.

The event kicked off with a warm welcome at La Jolla Shores, where veterans were greeted with cheers as they arrived for the clinic. Adaptive surfing was one of the highlights on Wednesday morning, providing a unique opportunity for participants to engage with the ocean.

Kevin Figueroa, an Air Force veteran who was injured in the line of duty and is now partially paralyzed, told FOX 5/KUSI that he was looking forward to getting out in the water. Volunteers from AmpSurf are assisting him in experiencing the thrill of riding a wave.

"I'm excited," said Figueroa. "Just the energy is unmatched. Going from what I do in Texas on a day-to-day basis to just being out here in this beautiful weather...I'm definitely looking forward to being in the water."

Annette Martin, an instructor with Ampsurf, noted the transformative impact of the clinic. She explained that the program not only benefits the veterans but also enriches the lives of those who volunteer to help.

Through adaptive sports and community support, the National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic is making a significant difference in the lives of veterans, offering them new ways to connect and thrive despite their challenges.

FOX 5's Elizabeth Alvarez contributed to this report.

All facts in this report were gathered by journalists employed by KSWB. Artificial intelligence tools were used to reformat from a broadcast script into a news article for our website. This report was edited and fact-checked by KSWB staff before being published.