May 23, 2011
The Wheelchair Games is 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!
Scheduled for August 1 - 6, 2011, this year's Wheelchair Games will take place in Pittsburgh, PA. Events will take place at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in downtown Pittsburgh as well as other local venues
The presenters 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.
Competitive events at the National Veterans Wheelchair Games include swimming, table tennis, weightlifting, archery, air guns, basketball, nine-ball, softball, quad rugby, bowling, handcycling, trapshooting, wheelchair slalom, power soccer, a motorized wheelchair rally, track and field. Athletes compete in all events against others with similar athletic ability, competitive experience or age.
Also taking place is the Disabled Sports, Recreation & Fitness Exposition, the event that allows an average of more than 50 companies and organizations from around the country to gather and connect with athletes, industry professionals and more.
Admission to the games is completely free and the public is most welcome to attend. For more information use the following contact information:
William Leuthold, 2011 Games chairperson, william.leuthold@va.gov and (412) 954-4834
Michael Clark, 2011 Games executive assistant, michael.clark3@va.gov and (412) 954-5600.
Event Website