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WEEKLY NEWS 2: National Veterans Wheelchair Games

On Wednesday, May 28, 2003, the Department of Veterans Affairs announced that the 23rd National Veterans Wheelchair Games will be held in Long Beach, California. The events are scheduled for June 5-9, 2003.

The games are presented by the Department of Veterans Affairs and Paralyzed Veterans of America. They will be hosted by the VA Long Beach Healthcare System, VA's Desert Pacific Healthcare Network and California Paralyzed Veterans Association. Any U.S. military veterans who use wheelchairs for sports competition because of spinal cord injuries, amputations or certain other conditions may participate in the games.

These games are the largest annual wheelchair sports event in the world, and more than 500 disabled veterans are expected to compete. The competitions include track and field, swimming, basketball, weightlifting, softball, air guns, quad-rugby, 9-ball, bowling, table tennis, archery, hand cycling and more.

The games will begin on June 5, 2003, with an event featuring a wheelchair basketball demonstration. An expo will be held as well on that day, which will include products and services related to health, well-being and sports for people with disabilities. On June 8, 2003, a "Kids Day at the Games" will be held. Local youth groups, such as scouts, will be able to interact with the wheelchair athletes. The kids will also be able to volunteer at the track and field events.

--Written by Carla Shives

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