VA to Co-Host National Veterans Wheelchair Games in San Diego

Washington, D.C. —

More than 600 veterans from across the nation, Puerto Rico and Great Britain are expected in San Diego July 5-10 to compete in the 17th National Veterans Wheelchair Games – the nation’s largest wheelchair sporting event.

The event, co-presented by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), is open to U.S. military veterans who use wheelchairs due to spinal cord injury, certain neurological conditions, amputations or other mobility impairments. The VA San Diego Healthcare System is host to this year’s Games.

Said VA Secretary Jesse Brown, “Recreational and sports activities play an important role in rehabilitation programs in VA medical facilities nationwide. These Games showcase those programs and demonstrate VA’s commitment not only to heal the wounds of veterans but also to ensure that they enjoy a high quality of life.

“As we look at the faces of veterans who wheel their way through these sporting events, we see an intensity and desire seldom experienced by the able-bodied. We all become a little wiser as a result of having witnessed their trials and achievements,” he said.

While past Games have produced world-class wheelchair athletes, the event represents the first exposure to wheelchair sports for many newly injured veterans. Eligible veterans who have not competed in the Games or in wheelchair sports are especially encouraged to participate.

“These men and women exemplify courage in so many ways,” said PVA National President Kenneth C. Huber. “They were courageous enough to put their lives on the line for our country. And now, particularly for a newly injured veteran, it takes a lot of courage to come out to the Games and compete for the first time. But once they experience the thrill of the Games, they come back year after year for a fresh infusion of courage that sustains them as they face life’s everyday challenges.”

Huber, a long-time advocate of wheelchair sports, has participated in the Games for the past 10 years, competing in bowling, billiards, table tennis, and his favorite, motorized wheelchair slalom.

In this year’s events, veterans will go for the gold in track and field, swimming, basketball, weight lifting, softball, air guns, quad rugby, billiards, bowling, table tennis, archery and wheelchair slalom. Most events and activities will be held at the San Diego Community Concourse and the University of California, San Diego.

This year’s Games will be kicked off July 5-6 by the 1997 Disabled Sports, Recreation and Fitness Expo — one of the nation’s largest gatherings of suppliers of products and services related to the health, well-being, sports and recreational needs of individuals with disabilities.

“To show participants our country’s gratitude for their time and service in the military, we have launched a postcard campaign in their honor,” Huber said. “Through the campaign — Wishing You All the Best as You Go for the Gold in San Diego — we hope to generate thousands of postcards of support for the veterans.”

Cards received by June 30 will be posted at the sports and fitness expo. Postcards should be sent to:

17th National Veterans Wheelchair Games
Paralyzed Veterans of America
801 18th Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20006

VA is a recognized leader in rehabilitation, with recreation therapy programs at each of its 173 medical centers. PVA, a veterans service organization chartered by Congress, has for more than 50 years served the needs of its members, all of whom have catastrophic paralysis caused by spinal cord injury or disease.

For registration information or to request a registration package, contact PVA at (800) 424-8200, ext. 752 or 687; the VA National Recreation Therapy Programs Office, at (410) 605-7377; or the 17th National Veterans Wheelchair Games Coordinating Office at (888) 924-9283. The deadline for athlete registration is May 2, 1997.