Arkansas man will compete in wheelchair games

by LAREIGN WARD, Press Argus-Courier Staff
Monday, July 14, 2008 9:16 AM CDT

The 28th National Veterans Wheelchair Games is presented by the Department of Veterans Affairs and Paralyzed Veterans of America. 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, according to a news release from the veterans affairs department.

The games will run from July 25 to July 29. Veterans will compete in track and field, swimming, basketball, weightlifting, softball, air guns, quad rugby, bowling, table tennis, archery, handcycling, a motorized wheelchair rally, wheelchair slalom, trapshooting, nine-ball and power soccer. Sled hockey will be held as an exhibition event.

Douglas Moore, 46, of Van Buren will be one of two Arkansas residents competing at the games. Moore receives treatment at the Little Rock VA clinic. Attempts to reach him by phone were not successful.

"Like serving our nation, the National Veterans Wheelchair Games are not really about the medals," Randy L. Pleva Sr., president of the Paralyzed Veterans of America, said in the release. "Instead, they're a mix of camaraderie, competition and courage. They are rehabilitation at its best for our paralyzed veterans."

Fore more information, go to http://www.wheelchairgames.va.gov/.

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