The department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Paralyzed Veterans of America (Paralyzed Veterans) recently recognized Invacare Corporation as a National Host Sponsor for the 34th National Veterans Wheelchair Games, which began August 12 and will continue through August 17 in Philadelphia.
Al Kovach, national president of Paralyzed Veterans of America notes in a news release issued by the three organizations, that Invacare has supported the event since its inception, and “without their generous support, we could not be able to put on this important rehabilitative event for our disabled veterans. We thank them for coming back year after year to support the National Veterans Wheelchair Games and its athletes.”
The release reports that in addition to monetary support, Invacare employees also volunteer throughout the week of the Games in order to ensure that the veteran athletes’ wheelchairs are competition ready. Invacare will also serve as one of the event host sponsors for the basketball and handcycling competitions.
John Remmers, executive vice president and general manager, North America, Invacare Corporation, articulates the organization’s pride in supporting the games.
“We have supported the Games for 34 years because the individuals who compete embody the ‘Yes, You Can’ spirit in everything they do – from their service to this country to their athleticism at the Games. We are proud to have even a small part in making this event possible for our nation’s veterans,” Remmers says.
According to the release, the National Veterans Wheelchair Games, presented annually by the VA and Paralyzed Veterans of America, are open to all US military veterans who use wheelchairs for sports competition following spinal cord injury (SCI), certain neurological conditions, amputations, or other mobility impairment. The games place a primary focus on offering attendees therapeutic, holistic treatments through adaptive sports.
Dave Tostenrude, director of the National Veterans Wheelchair Games, adds that the games help empower veterans with disabilities to improve their lives through sports and recreation, “The athletes return home with the attitude and information of what they can do, versus, what they cannot.”
Veterans who attend the Wheelchair Games will compete in a total of 18 events that include air guns, archery, basketball, boccia, bowling, field, handcycling, a motorized wheelchair rally, nine ball, power soccer, quad rugby, slalom, softball, swimming, table tennis, track, trapshooting, and weightlifting. A special exhibition of lacrosse will also be featured in this year’s games.
Visit www.wheelchairgames.org for more information
Source(s): Paralyzed Veterans of America, VA, and Invacare Corporation
