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Abilities
Buzz, May 22, 2008
The US Fed News
on May 12 reported that The 28th National Veterans Wheelchair
Games, scheduled to take place 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 conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq will again join
their fellow veterans in 17 competitive events being offered in
Omaha.
"We are proud to present this outstanding rehabilitation event,
a therapeutic extension of the superior heath care veterans
receive in our medical centers each day," said Dr. James B.
Peake, Secretary of Veterans Affairs. "Rehabilitation is crucial
to living a full life following an injury. I applaud all of the
veterans participating as they strive to achieve their goals
during this week of athletic competition."
The National Veterans 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 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 National Veterans
Wheelchair 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. Instead, they're a mix of
camaraderie, competition and courage. And they're rehabilitation
at its best for our paralyzed veterans," said Randy L. Pleva,
Sr., National President of the Paralyzed Veterans of America.
"If you are in the Omaha area, please join us this July. You'll
be inspired."
At the Games, veterans will compete in swimming, basketball,
track, weightlifting, softball, air guns, quad rugby, nine-ball,
field events, bowling, table tennis, archery, handcycling,
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 28th National Veterans Wheelchair Games begin
July 25 with a kick-off wheelchair basketball demonstration at
the Qwest Center Omaha, and the 2008 Disabled Sports, Recreation
and Fitness Expo. Kids Day at the Games will take place on July
27 at Northwest High School, where local children with
disabilities will meet the athletes and learn about wheelchair
sports.
For more information about the National Veterans Wheelchair
Games or to volunteer during the week, visit the Games Web site
at
www.wheelchairgames.org.
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