38th National Veterans Wheelchair Games

Volunteer Registration Opens for the 38th National Veterans Wheelchair Games

The Orlando VA Medical Center and the Central Florida Chapter of the Paralyzed Veterans of America are hosting the 38th National Veterans Wheelchair Games in Orlando, FL July 30-August 4, 2018.

Each year more than 500 athletes attend the National Veterans Wheelchair Games which 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 other neurological disorders. Over the years, the Games have produced several national and world-class champions.

However, the event provides the opportunity for newly disabled Veterans to get involved and push further than they thought possible. Typically, one quarter of the competitors are new to the Games.

The Games rely on the support of more than 3,000 volunteers with opportunities ranging from helping set-up events, greeting Veterans at the airport to providing informational service at various locations. We hope you will think about volunteering for this remarkable event that celebrates the athleticism of our Veterans!

Athlete registration is also open. Participation in the NVWG is open to Veterans having spinal cord injuries, amputations, multiple sclerosis or other central neurological conditions who require a wheelchair for athletic competition.  The individual’s physical injury must be permanent and measurable.  Exclusionary primary diagnosis includes but are not limited to conditions related to pain, arthritis, emotional and psychological conditions. All participants must be eligible for VA healthcare.

To register as an athlete or a volunteer visit: http://wheelchairgames.org/. Once on the site click under the Orlando 2018 tab at the top to sign up as an athlete or a volunteer.