Veterans Wheelchair Games Test Athleticism and Courage

VA and PVA to Present the Largest Annual Sports Event of its Kind

WASHINGTON – More than 500 American veteran heroes with physical disabilities will converge on Milwaukee June 19 – 23 to test their agility, athleticism and strength of spirit at the 27^th National Veterans Wheelchair Games, the largest annual wheelchair sports event in the world.  More than 20 veterans injured in current conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq will join veterans from the Gulf War, Vietnam and other conflicts in 17 competitive events. 

“The National Veterans Wheelchair Games are a chance for disabled veterans, who receive the benefits of VA’s world-class health care, to share in the camaraderie of friendly competition,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Jim Nicholson.  “The determination, stamina and competitive spirit on display at the Games are an inspiration.”

The Wheelchair Games, presented each year by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), are open to all U.S. military veterans who use wheelchairs for sports competition due to spinal cord injuries, certain neurological conditions, amputations or other mobility impairments.  For the first time at the Games, a demonstration track and field clinic will be held for athletes who are able to stand using prosthetic devices.

“Our association with the National Veterans Wheelchair Games helps fulfill our promise of improving the quality of life for veterans with disabilities,” said Randy L. Pleva, Sr., PVA national president. “When the wheelchair athletes assemble in Milwaukee, the intensity of competition will be exceeded only by the fellowship of veterans united together.” 

The Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center in Milwaukee and the Wisconsin chapter of PVA are hosting the 2007 Games.  Veterans competing in the National Veterans Wheelchair Games come from nearly all 50 states, plus the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Great Britain.

At the Games, veterans will compete in track and field, swimming, basketball, weightlifting, softball, air guns, quad rugby, 9-ball, bowling, table tennis, archery, handcycling, a motorized rally, wheelchair slalom, a power wheelchair relay and power soccer.  Trapshooting and wheelchair curling are exhibition events this year.  Events are being held at the Midwest Airlines Center, Veterans Park, Schroeder YMCA Aquatic Center, Bowlero Lanes, and other venues in and around Milwaukee.

The 27^th National Veterans Wheelchair Games kick off June 19 with a wheelchair basketball demonstration at Red Arrow Park, as well as the 2007 Disabled Sports, Recreation and Fitness Expo. Kids Day at the Games takes place on June 22 at the Milwaukee County Zoo, where local children with disabilities will meet the athletes and learn more about wheelchair sports.  

The Secretary of Veterans Affairs and PVA’s national president will greet the athletes at the Opening Ceremonies on June 19. VA’s Deputy Secretary and PVA’s national executive director will attend the Closing Ceremonies on June 22.  Both events will be held at the Midwest Airlines Center.  Admission to all Games activities is free, and the public is encouraged to attend. 

Sports are important in the therapy used to treat many disabilities.  VA is a recognized leader in rehabilitation, with therapy programs available at VA health care facilities across the nation.  For many injured veterans, the Wheelchair Games provide their first exposure to wheelchair athletics.

To obtain more information about the competitive events, visit the Games Web site at www.wheelchairgames.va.gov.

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