National Veterans Wheelchair Games Archives

By Debbie Gregory.

Co-Presented by the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Paralyzed Veterans of America, the 35^th National Veterans Wheelchair Games will take place June 21–26, 2015 in Dallas, TX.

The sports program empowers Veterans with spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, amputations and other neurological injuries to live more active and healthy lives through wheelchair sports and recreation. This year, more than 600 of America’s best wheelchair athletes will be participating.

“The Wheelchair Games are a great example of courage and athleticism,” said VA Secretary Robert A. McDonald. “These Veterans have overcome obstacles, they’ve trained, they’ve persevered, and now they’re ready to compete on the world’s stage.”

While physical activity is important to maintaining good health, speeding recovery and improving overall quality of life, there are precautions that need to be taken. For many injured Veterans, the Games provide their first exposure to wheelchair athletics. And this year’s game will see temperatures in the 90s. The high temperatures, combined with the potential for high humidity, could make wheelchair athletes – particularly those with high-level quadriplegia and paraplegia – susceptible to Poikilothermia, or the inability to regulate core body temperature.

Because of the high temperatures, the coordinators of this year’s games have scheduled the outdoor events from roughly 8 a.m. to noon, when temperatures will typically be lower, and the indoor events during the hotter temperatures in the afternoon.

Veterans at the National Veterans Wheelchair Games will compete in 18 events: air guns, archery, basketball, boccia, bowling, handcycling, a motorized wheelchair rally, nine ball, power soccer, quad rugby, slalom, softball, swimming, table tennis, track and field, trapshooting and weightlifting. This year’s Wheelchair Games will also feature a rowing exhibition. Athletes compete in all events against others with similar athletic ability, competitive experience or age.

For a complete schedule of events and additional information about the National Veterans Wheelchair Games visit www.wheelchairgames.org.

Military Connection proudly serves those who serve in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Guard and Reserve, Veterans and their families. We are the go-to site for Veteran Employment and information on Veteran education. Militaryconnection.com provides Veterans with and Directory of Employers, a Job Board, information on the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and a blog that offers Veterans boundless information. Be sure to visit Militaryconnection.com, the go-to site.

Dallas To Host 35th National Veterans Wheelchair Games : Military Connection: by Debbie Gregory

The National Veterans Wheelchair Games is an annual event sponsored by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA). More than 500 Veterans compete in seventeen sporting events, including basketball, bowling, softball, hand-cycling, air pistol and rugby.

The games, currently running in Philadelphia through August 17^th, are part of a sports and rehabilitation program for military Veterans who use wheelchairs due to spinal cord injuries, amputations *or* certain neurological problems. The National Veterans Wheelchair Games attract more than 500 athletes each year, making this event the largest annual wheelchair sports competition in the world. This year’s event in

The VA and its partners in the games are committed to improving the quality of life for Veterans with disabilities and promoting better health through athletic competition. While previous games have produced a number of national and world-class champions, the games also provide opportunities for newly-disabled Veterans to gain sports skills and be exposed to other wheelchair athletes.

The public is welcomed to attend the games and support these heroes as they compete for gold. Admission is free at all of the events at venues across Philadelphia. Service members, Veterans, Military families and the general public are invited and encouraged to cheer for the brave men and women participating in this year’s games.

For a complete list and schedule of events, down load the pdf here.

Military Connection proudly serves those who serve in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Guard and Reserve, Veterans and their Families. We are the go to site for Veteran Employment and information on Veteran education. Militaryconnection.com provides Veterans with and Directory of Employers, a Job Board, information on the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and a blog that offers Veterans boundless information. Be sure to visit Militaryconnection.com, the go to site.