Christian Lopez, a 30-year-old Veteran, has proven that courage and determination can transform lives. As a member of the Puerto Rico PVA team at VA Caribbean Healthcare System – San Juan, he’ll be competing in his first National Veterans Wheelchair Games (NVWG) this year.
Co-presented by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Paralyzed Veterans of America, the Wheelchair Games will bring together 537 Veteran athletes from across the United States to compete in 23 adaptive sports events, including 11 Paralympic competitions in Minneapolis, Minn., from July 17 – 22, 2025.
Originally from Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, Lopez joined the Adaptive Sports Program after moving back home in 2018. Suffering from a traumatic brain injury and the loss of his right leg below the knee due to a car accident during his military service, he faced challenges adjusting back to civilian life.
When he first joined the program, he was notably shy and withdrawn. However, his life took a dramatic turn when he was invited to participate in the Adaptive Cycling clinic. The clinic not only provided him with an avenue to stay physically active, but it also introduced him to a supportive community. With the unwavering support of his wife and son—who accompany him on the nearly two-hour drive to the training site—Lopez has embraced this new chapter with enthusiasm and commitment. His training has rekindled his aspirations, with a goal to continuously improve in cycling and potentially become a Paralympic athlete.
At this year’s National Veterans Wheelchair Games, Lopez will showcase his newfound skills and determination across multiple events: Air Pistol, Air Rifle, Cornhole, Handcycling and Field sports, including Discus, Shot Put and Javelin.
Lopez’s wife has observed a significant positive shift in his mental health since he began training for the games. His has transformed from a quiet and introverted individual to someone who has developed social connections, and how he shows maturity and dedication is a testament to the profound impact of adaptive sports. His participation has not only reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety, but also inspired him to face challenges with a positive attitude.
Lopez’s journey from isolation to empowerment is an inspiration to many other Veterans facing similar challenges. With his positive outlook and dedication, he continues to embody strength and perseverance, proving that with the right support, every challenge can be turned into an opportunity for growth and accomplishment.
Stay tuned as Lopez competes in and inspires at the National Veterans Wheelchair Games!
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buena surete! from a fellow p.r. vetwran.
As an Army veteran and wheelchair rugby player myself, this article perfectly captures the transformative power of these Games. That moment when you realize your chair isn’t a limitation but a new kind of sports equipment is indescribable. The VA’s commitment to funding not just the competition but the year-round training programs is what really makes the difference – it’s not just one week of glory but an ongoing path to recovery.
Adapted sports changed my life. I felt useless and unable to recognize that life always offers you options. All that is needed is to take that first step to carry out a work of empowerment and courage. Many years lost due to lack of support from the hospital and characters who do not forgive me fighting for my rights and the care I need. Rejected by the SCI/D clinic, PM&R and its group of athletes who fail to understand my status as an athlete raffling my standing in the 2004 NVWG games obtaining gold in the rifle and archery categories. That inspired me to consider these sports as a fundamental element for my emotional development. The mismanagement of those who have ignored me in my work as an adapted athlete made me conclude that I was alone and that I was not going to leave the hole if I did not make available my economic flow that I have thanks to my compensation. To maintain my competitiveness I have invested a lot of money in professional equipment and I have even formed my own electronic shooting room and area for archery practice. I thought I would find funds to participate in national tournaments but it has been useless to get sponsorships in the community. Of course, they don’t find it funny to invest their money in an athlete who only represents other athletes in the same situation; How wrong they are! No way. I continue to attend the national tournaments with my caregiver whose expenses, including mine, reach the four figures. Anyway, it’s what I get but I don’t give up even if I go bankrupt.