What: 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 are the largest annual wheelchair sports event in the world.

Where: Events will take place at different venues in Minneapolis, Minn. ( Minneapolis Convention Center, University of Minnesota Aquatic Center, Brunswick Bowl, Como Park and other area venues.)

When: June 27-July 1, 2005

Why: The sponsors of this event are committed to improving the quality of life of 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 participated in any type of organized wheelchair sports competition.

Sponsors: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Paralyzed Veterans of America ( PVA ), with financial assistance from corporate, civic, and veterans service organizations.

Hosts: The Minneapolis VA Medical Center & Minnesota Chapter Paralyzed Veterans of America

Events: Competitive events include swimming, table tennis, weightlifting, archery, air guns, basketball, softball, quad rugby, bowling, handcycling, wheelchair slalom, power soccer, a motorized wheelchair rally, 9-ball, track and field. Track events include 100, 200, 400, 800, 1500 and 5000-meter races, plus a special 220-meter race for power wheelchairs. Field events include club throw, shot put, discus, and javelin. Athletes compete in all events against others with similar athletic ability, competitive experience or age. Trap shooting, quad power relay and golf are exhibition events this year.

Admission: Free. The public is most welcome.

Information: Sharon Skoblik, Minneapolis VA Medical Center (612) 467-5273

Media: Kim Byers, VA Public Affairs (734) 761-7824

Contacts: Bob Ensinger, PVA Communications (202) 416-7681

Sharyl Schaepe, VA Media Support Co-Chair (402) 484-3225

De Anne Pavel, VA Media Support Co-Chair (612) 725-2102

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