Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | August 5, 2011

2011 Rosenberg Award

Tony Johnson was ready to give up on life when his leg was amputated after an accident a few years ago.

Now Johnson, an Army Veteran from Albuquerque, has a more positive view on life, thanks to the VA physicians and caseworkers who have worked with him. Johnson is the winner of this year’s Michael Rosenberg Athletic Award, a$1,000 grant given to a first-time athlete to help cover expenses for the Games. Read more.

A Boost for Paralympic Sports

Veterans will have more opportunities to test and hone their physical prowess thanks to two new grants the Department of Veterans Affairs awarded this year to the U.S. Olympic Committee. Read more.

Use Your Phone to Watch the Games Online!

We’re using new social media tools to share exclusive footage from the Games!

Follow the links at www.va.gov or search for “Department of Veterans Affairs” on each site for news and important information about Games events.

Got a smartphone?

Keep an eye out for this symbol in the newsletter. It’s called a QR, or quick response code, and will take you to Games videos created throughout the week and other important links.

Download one of the free apps listed below and use it to scan these codes wherever you see them.

QR Code Scanner Apps

iPhone, BlackBerry and Palm

• Neo Reader
• getneoreader.com

Windows Phone

• Microsoft Tag
• tag.microsoft.com

Android

• Barcode Scanner
• Go to Android Market and search for “Barcode Scanner.”

Word on the Burgh

A daily dose of Pittsburgh

• needs: used for “needs to be,” as in “the car needs washed”
• Pahn: pound
• Chippedchopped: processed ham, sliced paper thin

First Timers

Terry Labar, 63, has been athletic all his life—from his football, baseball, wrestling and track days in high school to the four Marine Corp marathons and three FBI Academy weightlifting competitions he’s done in more recent years. The Vietnam Veteran, who lives in Fredericksburg, Va., also mentors newly disabled Veterans, inviting them and their families to his house, which is completely handicap-accessible, to get ideas for adjustments to their homes. Read more.

Spirit of the Games

Today is the last day to vote for the Spirit of the Games Award! Be sure to pick up a ballot at the convention center’s hospitality table. All ballots must be in by 10 a.m. today.

Odds and Ends

We will hold specialty chairs in a secure area in Hall B. They will be available for pickup one hour before your event. Only athletes or authorized individuals may pick up the chairs (bring valid ID). Be sure to return chairs after your event. Get more event details.

On the Menu

Friday’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.

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.

Kids Day

About 20 Pittsburgh-area children in wheelchairs will have the chance to learn from the experts—that is, Games athletes serving as mentors—during this year’s Kids Day. Swing by to see these youths try their hand at basketball, slalom and T-ball.

• When: Friday, Aug. 5, 9–11:30 a.m.
• Where: Shady Side Academy.

Award Presentation Schedule

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

5:00 p.m.

• Archery