WASHINGTON – More than 500 disabled veterans will compete in the largest annual wheelchair sports event in the world, the 23rd National Veterans Wheelchair Games in Long Beach, Calif., July 5-9.
“The National Veterans Wheelchair Games demonstrate the therapeutic value of sports and competition,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Anthony J. Principi. “Our nation’s disabled veterans have risked their lives and made tremendous sacrifices to preserve our ideals and values. The athletes competing in these games show the qualities that make them true heroes – courage, strength and pride. Every veteran competing in this event is an inspiration.”
The games, presented by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), are open to U.S. military veterans who use wheelchairs for sports competition due to spinal cord injuries, certain neurological conditions, amputations or other mobility impairments. The VA Long Beach Healthcare System, the VA’s Desert Pacific Healthcare Network and the California Paralyzed Veterans Association are hosting the games.
“The National Veterans Wheelchair Games showcase what PVA is all about,” said Joseph L. Fox Sr., PVA national president. “The games prove that people can succeed not only with their athletic ability, but also when they rely on individual courage and determination.”
Sports are an important part of therapy. VA, a recognized leader in rehabilitation with therapy programs across the nation, provides many injured veterans their first exposure to wheelchair athletics through the annual wheelchair games.
Veterans will compete in track and field, swimming, basketball, weightlifting, softball, air guns, quad-rugby, 9-ball, bowling, table tennis, archery, hand cycling, a motorized rally, wheelchair slalom and a 5-K road race. A power soccer game will be held as an exhibition event. Updates, photos and news releases about athletes will be posted daily on the games’ Web site www.wheelchairgames.org, under “Athlete Information.”
The 23rd National Veterans Wheelchair Games begins July 5 with a wheelchair basketball demonstration and the 2003 Disabled Sports, Recreation and Fitness Expo. The Expo is among the largest exhibitions of products and services related to the health, well-being, sports and recreational needs of people with disabilities.
Many of the games’ events will be held at the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center, also the site for opening and closing ceremonies. Other venues include California State University at Long Beach, Cal Bowl, Belmont Shore Pool, El Dorado Park, Rainbow Harbour and the Long Beach VA Medical Center campus.
Actress Bo Derek, Honorary Chairperson of VA’s National Rehabilitation Special Events, will attend the games to visit with athletes and present medals. Country music star Travis Tritt is scheduled to attend July 8, when local children will interact with the wheelchair athletes, watch them compete in track, and participate in some sporting events during Kids Day at the Games. Football legend and chairman of the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, Lynn Swann, will also attend the games July 8 through 10.
For more information about the National Veterans Wheelchair Games, or to follow events as they happen, visit the games’ Website at http://www.wheelchairgames.org.
# # #
| Media Inquiries: National Veterans Wheelchair Games Media Center, July 4-9: (562) 499-7727. After July 11 contact: or Bob Ensinger, |
Reporters and media outlets with questions or comments should contact the Office of Media Relations at vapublicaffairs@va.gov
Veterans with questions about their health care and benefits (including GI Bill). Questions, updates and documents can be submitted online.
Veterans can also use our chatbot to get information about VA benefits and services. The chatbot won’t connect you with a person, but it can show you where to go on VA.gov to find answers to some common questions.
Subscribe today to receive these news releases in your inbox.
