July 30 through August 4, the 38th National Veterans Wheelchair Games will be happening at the Orlando Convention Center. Some of the sports that will be held at the Convention Center are powerlifting, table tennis and basketball.

Off-site competitions will also be going on throughout the community. An aquatic center in Oviedo will be holding swimming; Boardwalk Bowl Entertainment Center on Colonial Drive will be the host for bowling; track will be held at The First Academy; trap shooting will be located at Polk County Skeet & Trap; golf will be happening at Shingle Creek; and a team relay will be held at the National Training Center in Clermont.

As for Lake Nona, the VA Medical Center will host handcycling. It will be the first event of the games beginning on July 31 at 7 a.m. It is a 5k and a 10k that will start and finish at the VA. Community members can still register to volunteer to help with the handcycling event. Simply email vhaorlwcgames2018@va.gov. Volunteers younger than age 14 must have a signed parental release form.

The event moves from city to city and is held once a year, particularly in summer. Last year, the games were held in Cincinnati. This is first time Orlando will be hosting the games. All of the events are open to the public and are free of charge. Next year, it will be held in Louisville.

“500 to 600 have participated over the past few years. This year, we are expecting over 600,” says Karen Shamlin, coordinator for the 38th NVWG. The games exist as a rehabilitation event for veterans, and the intention is to get them back into a healthy and active lifestyle after sickness or injury. This year, there are a little over 120 novice athletes participating in an event like this. Shamlin goes on to say that it is also beneficial to the veterans because they get a chance to interact with their community.

She says the most popular game volume-wise would be bowling. Boccia, known as a “precision ball sport,” has grown within the last five years, and this year there are 363 people registered to participate.

To see the full schedule of games and times, go to wheelchairgames.org, click on “Orlando 2018” on the right side and hit “Master Schedule.” Additional information can also be found on the website, such as their mission and sports programs that are offered to veterans.