Veterans Wheelchair Games Announces Open Registration
Deadline Is April 15
Photo courtesy of 32nd National Veterans Wheelchair Games
Registration is open for the 32nd National Veterans Wheelchair Games. More than 500 veterans from across the United States, Puerto Rico and England are expected to compete in the games June 25-30 in Richmond, Va.—the site of the very first National Veterans Wheelchair Games held in 1981.
The Department of Veterans Affairs and Paralyzed Veterans of America present the games, which are open to all U.S. military veterans who use wheelchairs for sports competition, including people with spinal cord injuries, neurological conditions, amputations or other mobility impairments. The Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center and the Virginia Mid-Atlantic Chapter of Paralyzed Veterans of America will co-host the event.
“Adaptive sports play a crucial role in getting people back into life after serious injury, and the Wheelchair Games are often a life-changing experience for our athletes, representing a unique combination of competition, rehabilitation and fun,” said Bill Lawson, national president of Paralyzed Veterans of America, in a news release.
Competitive events will take place at the Greater Richmond Convention Center, Hanover Lanes Bowling Center, The Conservation Club of Virginia, Inc., in Charles City, Sports Backers Stadium, Mary Munford Elementary School and Byrd Park. Competitions will include 17 events such as swimming, basketball, table tennis, archery and wheelchair slalom, which is a timed obstacle course. The athletes compete in all events against others with similar athletic ability, competitive experience or age.
In addition, a Kids Day at the Games is scheduled for June 29 at Sports Backers Stadium. Local children with disabilities will have the opportunity to interact with the athletes, participate in sporting events and watch veterans compete.
Download the registration packet here.