WASHINGTON — More than 600 disabled Veteran athletes will compete in a variety of sport competitions at the 31st National Veterans Wheelchair Games in Pittsburgh, Aug. 1-6. The event is presented each year by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA).
“The National Veterans Wheelchair Games feature some of the most competitive and accomplished wheelchair athletes in the world,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki.
Athletes will compete in 17 different sports, including: air guns, archery, basketball, bowling, field events, handcycling, nine-ball, a motorized wheelchair relay, power soccer, quad rugby, softball, swimming, table tennis, track, trapshooting, weightlifting and wheelchair slalom.
The weeklong event will be webcast at www.wheelchairgames.va.gov.
Highlights for Aug. 1 include the 2011 Disabled Sports, Recreation and Fitness Expo, plus the games kick-off and opening ceremonies. The expo takes place from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. Jessica Lynch, an Operation Iraqi Freedom Veteran and former POW, will attend to meet with the athletes.
The kick-off takes place at 11:30 a.m. on the Roberto Clemente Bridge and features a slalom exhibition, in which wheelchair athletes maneuver around and through difficult obstacles.
Opening ceremonies, also Aug. 1, take place from 6 to 7 p.m. in the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. The lighting of the Games torch marks the official start of the 31th National Veterans Wheelchair Games.
Several top VA and PVA leaders will be on hand during the Games. VA officials scheduled to attend include John R. Gingrich, chief of staff; Dr. Robert A. Petzel, under secretary for health; and John M. Garcia, deputy assistant secretary for intergovernmental affairs. Officials from PVA include Bill Lawson, national president; Homer S. Townsend Jr., executive director; and several members of Paralyzed Veterans’ Executive Committee and Board of Directors.
Other highlights include Kids Day on Aug. 5 at Shady Side Academy, where local children with disabilities will meet the athletes and learn about wheelchair sports.
Events will be held at venues throughout the community, including: the David L. Lawrence Convention Center; the University of Pittsburgh; Clemente Bridge, Clairton Sportsmen’s Club; North Shore; Princess Lanes and others. Admission is free and the community is encouraged to attend.
The Keystone Chapter of Paralyzed Veterans of America and the VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System are hosting the 2011 Games. For more information about the National Veterans Wheelchair Games, visit the Games website at: www.wheelchairgames.va.gov.
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