Diverse News 2008®

NEWS FEEDS
Heroism and Athletics Converge in Omaha for Veterans Wheelchair Games
    Veterans Prepare for Largest Annual Wheelchair Sports Event

    WASHINGTON, July 20 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The 28th National
Veterans Wheelchair Games, scheduled to take place July 25-29 in Omaha,
Neb., will attract more than 500 veterans with disabilities. It has become
the largest annual wheelchair sports competition in the world. Veterans
from conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq will again join their fellow
veterans in 17 competitive events.

    "We are proud to present this outstanding rehabilitation event, a
therapeutic extension of the superior heath care veterans receive in our
medical centers each day," said Dr. James B. Peake, Secretary of Veterans
Affairs. "Rehabilitation is crucial to living a full life following an
injury. I applaud all of the veterans participating as they strive to
achieve their goals during this week of athletic competition."

    The National Veterans Wheelchair Games, co-presented by the Department
of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Paralyzed Veterans of America, are open to all
U.S. military veterans who use wheelchairs for sports competition due to
spinal cord injuries, certain neurological conditions, amputations or other
mobility impairments.

    The VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System in Omaha and the
Paralyzed Veterans Great Plains Chapter are the local hosts for the 2008
Games. Veterans competing in the National Veterans Wheelchair Games come
from nearly every state, as well as Puerto Rico and Great Britain.

    "Like serving our nation, the National Veterans Wheelchair Games are
not really about the medals. Instead, they're a mix of camaraderie,
competition and courage. And they're rehabilitation at its best for our
paralyzed veterans," said Randy L. Pleva, Sr., National President of the
Paralyzed Veterans of America. "If you are in the Omaha area, please join
us this July. You'll be inspired."

    At the Games, veterans will compete in swimming, basketball, track,
weight lifting, softball, air guns, quad rugby, nine-ball, field events,
bowling, table tennis, archery, handcycling, wheelchair slalom,
trapshooting, a motorized wheelchair relay and power soccer. An exhibition
event in sled hockey will also take place this year. For the second year,
several stand-up events will be held for athletes with amputations who
choose to compete using prosthetic devices instead of competing in their
wheelchairs.

    The 28th National Veterans Wheelchair Games begin July 25 with a
kick-off wheelchair basketball demonstration at the Qwest Center Omaha, and
the 2008 Disabled Sports, Recreation and Fitness Expo. Kids Day at the
Games will take place on July 27 at Northwest High School, where local
children with disabilities will meet the athletes and learn about
wheelchair sports.





    Opening and closing ceremonies will also be held at the Qwest Center
Omaha, along with many of the week's competitive events. Nebraska Governor
Dave Heineman is expected to attend, along with senior VA leaders and the
president of Paralyzed Veterans of America. Some of the sports events will
be held at the Henry Doorly Zoo, the University of Nebraska, Mockingbird
and Thunderbowl Lanes, Tranquility Ice Plex and other area venues.
Admission is free to the public and the community is encouraged to attend.

    Sports are important in the therapy used to treat many disabilities. VA
is a recognized leader in rehabilitation, with therapeutic programs
available at VA health care facilities across the nation. For many injured
veterans, the Wheelchair Games provide their first exposure to wheelchair
athletics.

    For more information about the National Veterans Wheelchair Games or to
volunteer during the week, visit the Games Web site at
http://www.wheelchairgames.va.gov.
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