Be a Virtual Fan in the Stands by Supporting the 2012 National Veterans Wheelchair Games Via Social Media

WASHINGTON, June 22, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Experiencing the world's largest annual wheelchair sports event in the world—the National Veterans Wheelchair Games, is just a mouse click away, thanks to efforts by Games co-presenters the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Paralyzed Veterans of America (Paralyzed Veterans). This year, the two groups are encouraging the public to become virtual 'fans in the stands' of the Games, by following all the action and supporting our veteran wheelchair athletes online via Facebook and Twitter. The 32nd National Veterans Wheelchair Games are being held in Richmond, Virginia, June 25-30.

Virtual fans can follow the Wheelchair Games by:

"Liking" the Department of Veterans Affairs Facebook page at www.facebook.com/VeteransAffairs and Paralyzed Veterans' Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ParalyzedVeterans.

"Liking" the National Veterans Wheelchair Games Facebook page at www.facebook.com/wheelchairgames.

Following @VAadaptiveSport and @pva1946 on Twitter. Use hashtag #NVWG to tweet from the Games, about the Games, cheer on your favorite athletes, share photos, etc.

Results, feature stories, and more during the week can also be found at www.wheelchairgames.va.gov.

"Thanks to today's technology and availability of social media, if you aren't able to attend this year's Wheelchair Games in person, you can join us virtually and get live updates through our social media pages or websites," said Tom Brown, Wheelchair Games Consultant for Paralyzed Veterans. "We encourage everyone to be virtual fans in the stand. We hope everyone will take a minute to tune in and watch these athletes compete – we promise you'll be inspired," said Dave Tostenrude, Wheelchair Games Director, VA.

The National Veterans Wheelchair Games, presented annually by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Paralyzed Veterans, are open to all U.S. military veterans who use wheelchairs for sports competition as a result of spinal cord injury, certain neurological conditions, amputations or other mobility impairments. The Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center and Mid-Atlantic Chapter Paralyzed Veterans of America will host the 2012 Games.

Veterans at the Wheelchair Games will compete in 17 events: air guns, archery, basketball, bowling, field, handcycling, a motorized wheelchair rally, nine ball, power soccer, quad rugby, slalom, softball, swimming, table tennis, track, trapshooting and weightlifting. This year's Wheelchair Games will also feature an exhibition game of boccia ball. Athletes compete in all events against others with similar athletic ability, competitive experience or age. For more information about the 32nd National Veterans Wheelchair Games, go to www.wheelchairgames.va.gov.

SOURCE Paralyzed Veterans of America