Vets Prepare for Annual Wheelchair Games in Omaha

The 28th National Veterans Wheelchair Games, scheduled for July 25-29 in Omaha, Neb., will attract more than 500 veterans with disabilities; it has become the largest annual wheelchair sports competition in the world. Veterans from combat zones in Afghanistan and Iraq will participate in 17 competitive events being offered in Omaha.

The games, sponsored by VA and Paralyzed Veterans of America, are open to all U.S. military veterans who - due to spinal cord injuries, certain neurological conditions, amputations or other mobility impairments - use wheelchairs for sports competition,

The VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System in Omaha, and the Paralyzed Veterans of America Great Plains Chapter, are hosting the 2008 Games. Veterans competing in the games come from nearly every state, as well as Puerto Rico and Great Britain.

"Like serving our nation, the National Veterans Wheelchair Games are not really about the medals, said Randy L. Pleva, Sr., national president for Paralyzed Veterans of America. "Instead, they're a mix of camaraderie, competition and courage. And they're rehabilitation at its best for our paralyzed veterans. If you are in the Omaha area, please join us this July. You'll be inspired."

At the Games, veterans will compete in diverse sports, including hand-cycling, wheelchair slalom, trapshooting, a motorized wheelchair relay and power soccer. An exhibition event in sled hockey will also take place this year. For the second year, several stand-up events will be held for athletes with amputations who choose to compete using prosthetic devices, instead of competing in their wheelchairs.

The games begin July 25 with a kick-off wheelchair basketball demonstration at Qwest Center Omaha, and with the 2008 Disabled Sports, Recreation and Fitness Expo. Kids Day at the games will be July 27 at Northwest High School, where local children with disabilities will meet athletes and learn about wheelchair sports.

Opening and closing ceremonies will also be held at Qwest Center Omaha, along with many of the week's competitive events. Other events will be held at the Henry Doorly Zoo, the University of Nebraska at Omaha and other venues. Admission is free to the public, and the community is encouraged to attend.

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

For more information about the National Veterans Wheelchair Games, or to volunteer during the week, click here.

**********************************************************************

Veterans.gather.com is a community for veterans, those actively serving, family and friends to share their perspectives on social, economic, health issues and more. Raise your awareness by reading up to date information from Paralyzed Veterans of America. To join, click here.