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Local Richmond Community given a taste of Upcoming Veteran Wheelchair Games
Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center - Richmond, VA
Local Richmond Community given a taste of Upcoming Veteran Wheelchair Games
Several Richmond area athletes took part in a demonstration of wheel chair sports today during an event promoting the upcoming 32nd National Veterans Wheelchair Games in Richmond, June 25-30.
Encouraged by NVWG Event Director Alison Faulk to “Shake a hand, make a friend, get involved,” onlookers at the first Richmond VAMC Wheelchair Games Sports Festival marveled at the dexterity and agility exhibited by some of Richmond’s best wheelchair athletes who demonstrated hand cycling, basketball and slalom racing.
The event brought the “substance and spirit of the Games to Richmond community for Veterans, staff and friends, as we prepare for the final run,” according to Dave Tostenrude, National VA Wheelchair Games Director. Faulk, along with PVA National Wheelchair Games Director Tom Brown implored event attendees to volunteer, donate and bring friends to the Games, which had their start in Richmond 32 years ago. According to Faulk, although more than 2,000 have already volunteered to help with the Games, she emphasized that help is always needed and welcome.
More than 600 Veteran Wheelchair athletes will compete in what has become the largest annual wheelchair sports event in the world. It is co-sponsored by the Paralyzed Veterans of America and VA. The week-long event features 18 different sporting events throughout the Richmond area. All of the events are free and open to the public. A schedule of events is available on the Wheelchair Games web site at: http://www.richmond.va.gov/nvwg/index.asp or through the PVA web site at:
http://www.pva.org/site/c.ajIRK9NJLcJ2E/b.6305971/k.327F/Games_Registration_Information.htm.
McGuire VAMC Director Charles Sepich also recognized medical center staff for their participation and sense of volunteerism as an extension of their devotion to Veterans, and honor of their service to our nation. He said the athletes deserved additional recognition because their participation in the Games represents their efforts to re-enter society as contributing members who add value to the fabric of life.
