Whether you were injured on the battlefield or in the corn field, if you are a veteran of the U.S. or British Armed Services confined to a wheelchair, you may be eligible to participate in the National Veterans Wheelchair Games. No matter if you are a novice or a pro, enthusiasm and ability are all it takes to get in the game, and there are a wide range of events to choose from.
National Games
Touted as the largest annual sports competition of its type in the world, the National Veterans Wheelchair Games boasts 17 different sports. According to the Veterans Administration, the purpose of the Games is to "promote rehabilitation through rigorous competition." The event is geared to veterans confined to wheelchairs due to spinal cord injuries, amputations and neurological disorders. The event also reaches out to disabled children, allowing them to interact with the athletes and to be introduced to wheelchair athletics.
History
Beginning with basketball games at Veterans Affairs hospitals after World War II, the desire of wheelchair veterans to compete in sports rapidly grew to embrace a variety of activities ranging from bowling to track to swimming. In 1980, the establishment of the VA's Recreation Therapy Service heightened awareness of the value of wheelchair sports for the rehabilitation of wounded vets. The first official Games were held in 1981 in Richmond, Virginia, with 74 veterans from 14 states competing. In 1985, Paralyzed Veterans of America got on board as a co-sponsor to meet the resource demands of increasing popularity. In 1987, the games were opened to British vets who have since sent a team each year. The number of participants has grown yearly, with 583 athletes taking part in 2010.
Competitive Events
A wide range of sports are featured at the Games, giving veterans with varying limitations and abilities an opportunity to find an event they excel at. Competitive events at the National Games include, in alphabetical order, air guns, archery, basketball, bowling, field events, handcycling, a motorized wheelchair rally, nine-ball, power soccer, quad rugby, slalom, softball, swimming, table tennis, track, trapshooting and weightlifting.
Athletes
While some of the athletes who compete at the Games achieve world-class ranking, the event is open to both pros and amateurs. The sponsors strive to place competitors in a class with others of their age, experience and athletic ability. There are even monetary grants available to qualified veterans to sponsor training and participation, ranging from grants for novices with financial needs to a grant for veterans injured in a motorcycle accident.
References
- United States Department of Veterans Affairs: National Veterans Wheelchair Games
- National Veterans Wheelchair Games: Fact Sheet
- Paralyzed Veterans of America: National Veterans Wheelchair Games
- Paralyzed Veterans of America: 31st National Veterans Wheelchair Games Registration Information
- National Veterans Wheelchair Games: History of the National Veterans Wheelchair Games
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