Heroism and Athletics Converge in Milwaukee This Week

Over 500 disabled American heroes will converge on Milwaukee from June 19 – 23 to test their agility, athleticism and strength of spirit in the 27^th National Veterans Wheelchair Games, the largest annual wheelchair sports event in the world.   Veterans from recent conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq will join veterans from the Gulf War, Vietnam and other conflicts in 17 competitive events.

Co-presented by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Paralyzed Veterans of America, the Games are a chance for disabled veterans to share in the camaraderie of friendly competition -- and the determination, stamina and competitive spirit on display at the Games are truly an inspiration.  The Games 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.   Veterans competing in the Games come from nearly all 50 states, plus D.C., Puerto Rico and Great Britain -- some are first-time, newly injured veterans, while others are world-class Paralympians.  Gold, silver and bronze medals will be awarded in Olympic style to winning athletes.

Veterans compete in 17 events including quad rugby (also known as “Murderball”), slalom (timed obstacle course), power soccer and power wheelchair relay, basketball, handcycling, softball, track and field, swimming, weightlifting, bowling, archery, table tennis and more.  Plus for the first time this year, the Games will include a demonstration track event held for athletes who are able to stand using prosthetic devices.  Trap shooting and wheelchair curling will also be exhibition events this year.

Charles Allen, last year’s Spirit of the Games Award recipient, will be returning this year.  Allen, a 35-year old Army veteran from Cedar Hill, Texas, believes that “being at the games is not just about me…it’s about sharing this journey with my daughter and passing on what I’ve learned to the newcomers.”  The former infantryman was injured at age 21 in a training accident at Fort Hood while serving with the cavalry scouts.  Like many who come face to face with a life-changing accident, Allen knew he needed to rely upon the experience of others to help get him through.  “Life is not over because you are injured,” he said.  “It might not be the life you had planned, but it can also be a new beginning – like being reborn.”  Allen was introduced to wheelchair basketball while still undergoing rehabilitation at the VA medical center in Dallas.  “Playing basketball makes me forget about the chair” he said.  “I get so focused on winning the game, I forget all about any problems.”  Allen’s hard work, dedication and training paid off three years ago when he was accepted as a member of the Dallas Wheelchair Mavericks, who earlier this year won their seventh National Wheelchair Basketball Association championship.

Sports are important in the therapy used to treat many disabilities, and the Games represent a new beginning for many of the participants.  Both the VA and Paralyzed Veterans of America are committed to improving the quality of life for veterans with disabilities and fostering better health through sports programs and competition.  For many injured veterans, the Wheelchair Games provide their first exposure to wheelchair athletics, and roughly one quarter of the competitors have generally never before participated in any type of organized wheelchair sports event.

Each day of the Games will feature a special theme: Armed Forces Day, Purple Heart Day, Uniform Day, MIA/POW Day and a Military History Day.  In addition, Kids Day at the Games will take place on June 22 at the Milwaukee County Zoo, where local children, many with disabilities, will meet the athletes and learn about wheelchair sports.  Opening and closing ceremonies will be held at the Midwest Airlines Convention Center, along with many of the week’s competitive events.  Admission is Free to the public and the community is encouraged to attend!

For more information about the Games, or to volunteer during the week, please visit the Games Website at wheelchairgames.org

Click here to learn more about Paralyzed Veterans of America and their Sports and Recreation programs.

Do you know someone who’s overcome a major physical challenge in their life?  Share their inspiring story here!

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