The Department of Veterans Affairs and Paralyzed Veterans of America Recognize Top-Level Sponsors of the 38th National Veterans Wheelchair Games

Largest Annual Wheelchair Sports Event for Military Veterans Begins July 30

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Jul 27, 2018, 13:34 ET

WASHINGTON, July 27, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Veterans Wheelchair Games (NVWG) co-hosts—the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) are delighted to recognize the top-level sponsors of the 38^th National Veterans Wheelchair Games. First Nation Group, UPS, and Veterans Canteen Service are this year's Premier Sponsors and Invacare is the National Host Sponsor of the largest annual wheelchair sports and rehabilitation event in the world for military veterans. More than 600 veterans are expected to compete in this year's NVWG, which begins Monday, July 30 through Saturday, August 4, with the majority of events taking place at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL.

"Every year, the National Veterans Wheelchair Games bring together hundreds of disabled veterans from across the country, Puerto Rico and Great Britain, to participate in adaptive sports," said PVA National President David Zurfluh, a disabled Air Force veteran who will compete in nine ball, boccia, and the exhibition golf tournament at the 38^th NVWG. "We thank everyone who made this year's NVWG possible—especially our generous sponsors. Without their support, we wouldn't be able to put on a successful event for our veterans. We look forward to an exciting week."

The National Veterans Wheelchair Games, presented annually by the VA and PVA, are open to all U.S. military service veterans who use wheelchairs due to spinal cord injuries, certain neurological conditions, amputations, or other mobility impairments.

"The VA is proud to co-present the National Veterans Wheelchair Games because they empower our nation's veterans to live more healthy and active lives through adaptive sports and recreation," said David Tostenrude, Director of the National Veterans Wheelchair Games. "Thanks to the partnership with our co-presenter, Paralyzed Veterans of America, and our sponsors, we are able to play a great role in the rehabilitation and health of our country's heroes."

Veterans at the NVWG will compete in 19 sporting events: air pistol, air rifle, archery, basketball, boccia, bowling, cycling, field, motorized wheelchair rally, nine ball, power soccer, quad rugby, slalom, softball, swimming, table tennis, track, trapshooting, and weightlifting. This year's NVWG will also feature two exhibition sports – a three-hole golf tournament and golf skills clinic, and indoor rowing. There will also be a new team event—the NVWG Team Challenge. In all events, athletes will play against others with similar athletic ability, competitive experience, or age.

To learn more about the 38th National Veterans Wheelchair Games, please visit wheelchairgames.org.

About Paralyzed Veterans of America:
Paralyzed Veterans of America is the only congressionally chartered veterans service organization dedicated solely for the benefit and representation of veterans with spinal cord injury or disease. For more than 70 years, we have ensured that veterans have received the benefits earned through their service to our nation; monitored their care in VA spinal cord injury units; and funded research and education in the search for a cure and improved care for individuals with paralysis.

As a partner for life, Paralyzed Veterans of America also develops training and career services, works to ensure accessibility in public buildings and spaces, provides health and rehabilitation opportunities through sports and recreation and advocates for veterans and all people with disabilities. With more than 70 offices and 33 chapters, Paralyzed Veterans of America serves veterans, their families and their caregivers in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.

About the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of National Veterans Sports Programs & Special Events:
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of National Veterans Sports Programs & Special
Events is the recognized world leader in rehabilitative and recreational therapies for disabled Veterans. VA promotes the rehabilitation of body and spirit by operating adaptive sports clinics and competitions around the nation. Learn more about VA's adaptive sports programs and partnerships at www.blogs.va.gov/nvspse.

SOURCE Paralyzed Veterans of America