Many wounded, ill and injured Veterans credit adaptive sports with boosting their physical and mental well-being, and providing them with a sense of community and path forward.
Veterans Invented Wheelchair Basketball
However, did you know that it was a group of WWII paralyzed Veterans who invented wheelchair basketball? By pioneering the sport, these Veterans opened the door for thousands of individuals with disabilities to once again compete on the court at the highest levels, including the Paralympics, National Veterans Wheelchair Games, Warrior Games and other high-profile events.
Live Webinar to discuss Wheels of Courage Feb. 4
Join Paralyzed Veterans of America for a live webinar on Thursday, Feb. 4, 2021 at 1 p.m. ET, as it hosts author David Davis to discuss his new book, Wheels of Courage: How Paralyzed Veterans from World War II Invented Wheelchair Sports, Fought for Disability Rights, and Inspired a Nation.
Out of the carnage of World War II comes an unforgettable tale about defying the odds and finding hope in the most harrowing circumstances.
PVA has 30 signed copies for the first 30 PVA members to register and attend the event, and an additional 10 copies for other Veterans who register and attend the webinar.
Questions? Contact: JenniferP@pva.org
“Just when you think every great sports story has been told and told again, along comes Wheels of Courage. Fascinating in its detail. Moving in its humanity. And deeply connected to themes, events and emotions well beyond the competition itself.” – Bob Costas, Hall of Fame broadcaster
This is just one of PVA’s many, free virtual events it offers to all Veterans and their family members. This programming ranges from weekly adaptive yoga to stationary cycling, air rifle events and nutrition classes. This is a welcoming, inclusive environment for people of all abilities. If you want to follow along but are still a little camera shy, just turn your camera off.
Check out all of PVA’s events at www.pva.org/virtualevents.
Join Us at the National Veterans Wheelchair Games
Applications are now also open for the 40th annual National Veterans Wheelchair Games (NVWG).
The NVWG is the world’s largest annual wheelchair sports event solely for military Veterans. The event seeks to foster wider respect for all people with disabilities and is open to all U.S. Veterans with spinal cord injuries, amputations, multiple sclerosis, or other central neurological conditions who require a wheelchair for athletic competition.
This year’s event will be held in New York City, August 8-13, 2021. Learn more and register online at www.wheelchairgames.org
Fabio Villarroel is the director of Paralyzed Veterans of America’s Sports and Recreation program. He previously served as a Sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps.
Topics in this story
More Stories
The $100,000 Community Catalyst Challenge identifies trailblazing organizations and revolutionize how we engage with Veterans and their families.
The Social Security Administration is hoping to make applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) a whole lot easier, announcing it will start offering online, streamlined applications for some applicants.
This post contains jobs for the week of Dec. 16, 2024. Each week, we post relevant and timely listings as we receive them, and for the locations listed.
