Paralyzed Veterans of America Thanks UPS for Its Support of the 2011 National Veterans Wheelchair Games

UPS to Serve as a National Host Sponsor of 2011 Games

WASHINGTON, July 29, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Paralyzed Veterans of America (Paralyzed Veterans) proudly announces that The UPS Foundation will serve as a National Host Sponsor for the 31st National Veterans Wheelchair Games, to be held in Pittsburgh, August 1-6, 2011. The UPS Foundation, based in Atlanta, has been a supporter of the Games since 1986. During that time, more than 4,000 UPS employees have contributed their time to assist the athletes with their equipment and chairs – providing logistical support for them.

"UPS and its employees have looked forward to supporting National Veterans Wheelchair Games for the last 24 years," said Ken Sternad, president of The UPS Foundation. "Through sponsorship, volunteering and equipment transport, UPS is saluting the sacrifices these veterans have made for our country."  

"Without the generous support of sponsors like UPS, putting on an event as large as the Wheelchair Games wouldn't be possible," said Bill Lawson, national president of Paralyzed Veterans of America. "Both VA and Paralyzed Veterans are committed to the rehabilitation of veterans with disabilities through these Games, and our year-round adaptive sports programs, and we thank The UPS Foundation for showing their commitment to this cause as well."

The National Veterans Wheelchair Games, presented annually by Paralyzed Veterans and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), are open to all U.S. military veterans who use wheelchairs for sports competition due to spinal cord injuries, certain neurological conditions, amputations or other mobility impairments. The VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System and the Keystone Chapter of Paralyzed Veterans of America are hosting the 2011 Games.

Veterans at the Games will compete in 17 events, including swimming, table tennis, weightlifting, archery, air guns, basketball, nine ball, softball, quad rugby, bowling, handcycling, wheelchair slalom, power soccer, a motorized wheelchair rally, track and field and trapshooting. Sled hockey will be an exhibition event this year. Athletes compete in all events against others with similar athletic ability, competitive experience or age. For more information about the 31st National Veterans Wheelchair Games, go to www.pva.org/2011Games or www.wheelchairgames.va.gov .

SOURCE Paralyzed Veterans of America