A multi-event sports and rehabilitation program for military service veterans who use wheelchairs for sports competition due to spinal cord injuries, amputations, or certain neurological problems. Attracting more than 500 athletes each year, the National Veterans Wheelchair Games is the largest annual wheelchair sports event in the world.
Events will take place at the Egan Convention Center, Sullivan Arena, Bartlett High School, Cellular One Sports Center, Polar Bowl, and other area venues in and around Anchorage, Alaska.
July 3-8, 2006
The sponsors of this event are committed to improving the quality of life for veterans with disabilities and fostering better health through sports competition. While past Games have produced a number of national and world-class champions, the Games also provide opportunities for newly disabled veterans to gain sports skills and be exposed to other wheelchair athletes. Usually, one quarter of the competitors have never before participated in any type of organized wheelchair sports competition.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), with financial assistance from corporate, civic, and veterans service organizations.
The Alaska VA Healthcare System and Regional Office and Paralyzed Veterans of America (Northwest Chapter)
Competitive events at the Wheelchair Games include swimming, table tennis, weightlifting, archery, air guns, basketball, softball, quad rugby, bowling, handcycling, wheelchair slalom, power soccer, a motorized wheelchair rally, track and field. Athletes compete in all events against others with similar athletic ability, competitive experience or age. A power chair relay will be offered as an exhibition event this year.
Free. The public is most welcome.
Information:Scott D. Kelter, Coordinating Director, 26th National Veterans Wheelchair Games (907) 334-3503
Kim Byers, VA Public Affairs (734) 761-7824
David Uchic, PVA Communications (202) 416-7667
Nance Larsen, APR, Public Affairs Co-Chair (907) 276-4118
Marcia Hoffman-DeVoe, Public Affairs Co-Chair (907) 257-5460
