Fact Sheet
What: A multi-event sports and rehabilitation program for military service veterans who use wheelchairs for sports competition due to spinal cord injuries, amputations, or certain neurological problems. Attracting more than 500 athletes each year, the National Veterans Wheelchair Games is the largest annual wheelchair sports event in the world.
Where: Events will take place at the Midwest Airlines Convention Center, Greendale High School, Grant Park, Whitnall Park, Schroeder YMCA Aquatic Center, AMF Bowlero Bowling Center, Milwaukee County Zoo and Veterans Park.
When: June 19-23, 2007
Why: The sponsors of this event are committed to improving the quality of life for veterans with disabilities and fostering better health through sports competition. While past 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. Usually, one quarter of the competitors have never before participated in any type of organized wheelchair sports competition.
Presenters: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), with financial assistance from corporate, civic, and veterans service organizations.
Hosts: The Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center in Milwaukee and the Wisconsin Chapter of the Paralyzed Veterans of America.
Events: Competitive events at the Wheelchair Games include swimming, table tennis, weightlifting, archery, air guns, basketball, nine-ball, softball, quad rugby, bowling, handcycling, wheelchair slalom, power soccer, a motorized wheelchair rally, track and field. Exhibition events are also being planned. Athletes compete in all events against others with similar athletic ability, competitive experience or age.
Admission: Free. The public is most welcome.
Information: Brian Walker, 2007 Games Coordinator (414) 389-4009, or brian.walker@va.gov.
Media: Kim Byers, VA Public Affairs (734) 761-7824
Contacts: David Uchic, Paralyzed Veterans, Associate Director, Media Relations (202) 416-7667
John Zewiske, Community Relations, Milwaukee VAMC (414) 384-2000, ext. 45363
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