National Veterans Wheelchair Games

Who puts on the National Veterans Wheelchair Games?

The National Veterans Wheelchair Games are presented each year by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA). Each year, a VA medical facility and a PVA chapter collaboratively host the event.

Why do the Games take place at different places every year?

Local VA medical centers and PVA chapters must submit a bid to host the National Veterans Wheelchair Games. Organizers evaluate the location to make sure it is accessible to a large number of wheelchair users and there are appropriate venues for the competitions. By changing locations, more cities are able to enjoy the opportunity of hosting the Games, and the athletes are able to enjoy visiting new locations each year. Two cities (San Antonio, Texas; and Long Beach, California) have hosted the Games on three separate occasions.

How do the Veterans finance the costs to attend this event?

Typically, Veterans attend with local teams from around the country. The teams are usually part of PVA chapters, although a few are based at local VA medical centers. Most of the local teams conduct fundraising activities all year to send their athletes to the Games. A small number of athletes attend independently and fund their own trips.

The next National Veterans Wheelchair Games will be held in Richmond, VA on June 29 and June 30, 2012. The Hudson Valley Wheelchair Crusaders, which consist of veterans from the Hudson Valley and Orange County area need our support to raise funds to participate in the games.

Donations should be sent to:

Hudson Valley Wheelchair Crusader 743 Hewitt Lane New Windsor, NY 12553

Please join American Legion Post 274, Peekskill, NY in supporting these special veterans. For Further information please contact John Donohue, Post Chaplain, at 917-834-8588 or donohueno1@gmail.com.