National Veterans Wheelchair Games

National Veterans Wheelchair Games Come to Minneapolis

WASHINGTON – More than 500 disabled veterans will compete in the National Veterans Wheelchair Games from June 27 to July 1, 2005, in Minneapolis. This year marks the 25th year of the event, which has grown to become the largest annual wheelchair sports event in the world.

“We are proud of these talented athletes, our volunteers who make these Games possible, and the communities that open their doors and their hearts to these heroes,' said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Jim Nicholson.

The Wheelchair Games, presented by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), are open to all U.S. military veterans who use wheelchairs for sports competition due to spinal cord injuries, certain neurological conditions, amputations or other mobility impairments. The Minneapolis VA Medical Center and the PVA Minnesota Chapter are hosting the 2005 games.

PVA National President Randy L. Pleva, Sr., said, “Year after year, the rehabilitative nature of the Games provides endless opportunities for our wheelchair athletes to pursue their athletic goals and dreams. The Games also serve as a stage where we can show the world what we can do – to soar far beyond any physical limitations we might have and reach previously unimagined levels of success.”

Sports are important in the therapy used to treat many disabilities. VA is a recognized leader in rehabilitation, with therapy programs available at VA health care facilities across the nation. For many injured veterans, the Wheelchair Games provide their first exposure to wheelchair athletics.

At the 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 power soccer. Trap shooting, golf and a power wheelchair relay will be exhibition events this year.

The 25th National Veterans Wheelchair Games begin June 27 with a wheelchair basketball exhibition at Peavey Plaza on Nicolette Mall in Minneapolis, as well as the 2005 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.

On June 29, a wheelchair sports demonstration will take place at the Mall of America, allowing the public to preview some of the sports taking place during the week. “Kids Day at the Games” is on June 30, when local children with disabilities can meet the wheelchair athletes, watch them compete and participate in their own wheelchair sporting events.

Many of the events will be held at the Minneapolis Convention Center, also the site for the opening and closing ceremonies. Other venues include South Town Bowl, Eden Prarie Bowl, McMurry Field, Metro Gun Club, Braemar Golf Course, the University of Minnesota, the University of St. Thomas, Lake Harriett, the Ft. Snelling soccer fields and Como Park.

SOURCE: Department of Veterans Affairs For more information about the National Veterans Wheelchair Games, or to follow events as they happen, visit the Games Web site at wheelchairgames.org

The 25th National Veterans Wheelchair Games would not be possible without the support of many local and national corporations, foundations and organizations that generously support this event through donations to PVA and VA. PVA wishes to recognize host sponsors Invacare Corporation, Veterans Canteen Service and 3M, and the nearly 40 other sponsors of the Games.

Media Inquiries: April 7, 2005

· Kim Byers, VA Public Affairs (734) 761-7824

· Bob Ensinger, PVA Director of Communication (202) 416-7681