Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | August 3, 2011

A Party for Legends

The block party is an event you surely will not want to miss this week!

We’re taking over the one and only Heinz Field—home of the Pittsburgh Steelers—today, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

In addition to fantastic food, we’ve lined up country singer Bryan Cole for the evening’s entertainment, along with a magician, clowns and face painters.

Athletes and guests will also have the chance to explore the Coca-Cola Great Hall at Heinz Field, which houses five Lombardi Trophy column displays and other Steelers memorabilia, as well as 20 different murals centered around the team and the history of western Pennsylvania football. The hall boasts football equipment and personal mementos of legendary players for the team. And for those of you who are Steelers fans, the gift shop will be open.

The Gateway Clipper fleet, Pittsburgh’s premier cruise line, will have two of their largest boats shuttling athletes from the dock at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center to Heinz Field starting at 3:30 p.m. Buses will also be available, running on a continuous loop during the event.

Frequent Flyer

Four thousand six hundred fifty-seven miles, six time zones, two connecting flights and a shuttle bus ride to the Omni William Penn in downtown Pittsburgh.

That’s quite a trip. And it’s one that 62-year-old Army Veteran Eugene Gold made this year for the 31st National Veterans Wheelchair Games. Read more.

Wednesday Award Presentation Schedule

Medal presentations will take place on a special awards stage located in the concourse on the DLCC’s second floor.

4:00 p.m.

• Slalom (IV-V)
• Bowling (IV-V)
• Bowling (IA-B-C-stick-handle)
• Bowling (ramp)

8:30 p.m.

• Weightlifting: Presentations will take place at the
  event location immediately after it ends.

Word on the Burgh

A daily dose of Pittsburgh

• Filled: field
• Jumbo: bologna
• Imp 'n Arn: A shot of Imperial Whisky chased with Iron City beer.

Take Pittsburgh Home with You!

Stop by Hall A for a souvenir photo with a magnificent city view in the background.

Hours: 9 a.m.–12 p.m. and 1–3 p.m.

Getting in the Game

First-timer Erick Hernandez shares his journey to the Games

Erick Hernandez flew up from Miami to participate in his first National Veterans Wheelchair Games. A Navy Veteran, Hernandez, 29, was injured about a year ago, when he was paralyzed in a swimming accident. Read more.

Odds and Ends

Athletes and coaches: Be sure to get separate checks when paying with WePay cards. Get more event details.

On the Menu

Wednesday’s Meal Schedule

• Breakfast: 5:30–9 a.m.
• Lunch: 10:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
• Dinner: 4:30–6:30 p.m.

Get more details.

Dom's Dilemma

Question: What should be my good luck charm for the Games?

Tim Vixay
MarineVeteran | Oregon City, Ore.

Answer: My lucky shoes.

Rose Ganz
Air Force Veteran | Arnold, Mo.

Answer: I don’t believe in luck. I have faith that I can win.

Joe Velasquez
Navy Veteran | Richland, Wash.

Answer: I’d pick the Games challenge coin that I got during registration.

Mary Degg
Navy Veteran | Spokane, Wash.

Answer: Dom's smile!

When he’s not reporting, Dom, a soon-to-be-third-grader from Verona, Pa., plays wing for the Pittsburgh Mighty Penguins sled hockey team.

Block Party Menu

Chopped pizza house salad with Italian dressing, fruit salad, BBQ pulled-pork sandwiches, hamburgers, pierogie lasagna, southwest corn, assorted cookies, chocolate mousse. Cash bar.