Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities at the National Veterans Wheelchair Games

“I thought you might be interested to know of upcoming volunteer opportunities for a very good cause.  Below is a notice from the Nebraska-Western Iowa Veterans Affairs Health Care System, calling for volunteers to help participating veterans at the 28th National Veterans Wheelchair Games in Omaha starting July 25.  For more information, you may reach the Games organizers at the contact information below.”

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Department of Veterans Affairs News Release
Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System
4101 Woolworth Ave
Omaha, NE 68105

Critical Need for Volunteers Still Exists For National Veterans Wheelchair Games

OMAHA, Neb., July 16, 2008—With just over one week until the kick-off of the 28th National Veterans Wheelchair Games, organizers still have a critical need for more than 500 volunteers.

More than 500 wheelchair athletes will arrive at Omaha’s Eppley Airfield July 24 and will depart July 30, and hundreds of volunteers are still required. Volunteers are needed to serve as lifters, wheelchair escorts and luggage spotters at the airport and at various hotels. 

Other key areas where volunteers are needed include event site set-up and tear down before and during the Games, taking place July 25 – July 29.

All volunteers will receive a Games T-shirt and the satisfaction of helping veterans with disabilities achieve a tremendous personal triumph.  Volunteering is also an excellent way for high school students to earn community service credits for college applications.

More than 500 veterans are expected to compete, making the 28th National Veterans Wheelchair Games the largest annual wheelchair sports competition in the world. Athletes come from across the United States, Puerto Rico and Great Britain, and represent veterans who have served from World War II to Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. Among the featured 17 competitive events are handcycling, quad rugby, basketball, weightlifting, track, field and softball.

Events will take place at the Qwest Center Omaha, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Northwest High School, Henry Doorly Zoo, and Mockingbird and Thunderbowl Lanes. Exhibition sled hockey will take place at Tranquility Ice Arena.

Volunteers under age 18 must have written parental guardian permission to participate in this volunteer program, and written authorization for diagnostic and emergency treatment in case of injury.

For more information about volunteering, contact Michael Wittrock at (402) 995-3283, or by e-mail at michael.wittrock@va.gov.

The Games are presented by the Department of Veterans Affairs and Paralyzed Veterans of America. The VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System and the Great Plains Paralyzed Veterans of America are hosting the 2008 event. For more information, contact Will Ackerman at (402) 995-4719; or by e-mail at william.ackerman@va.gov. The Games Web site is: www.wheelchairgames.va.gov.

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Sincerely,