Cold War Veterans Blog

Heroism and Athletics Converge in Omaha for Veterans Wheelchair Games
Veterans Prepare for Largest Annual Wheelchair Sports Event

WASHINGTON (July 17, 2008) - The 28th National Veterans Wheelchair
Games, scheduled to take place July 25-29 in Omaha, Neb., will attract
more than 500 veterans with disabilities. It has become the largest
annual wheelchair sports competition in the world. Veterans from
conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq will again join their fellow veterans
in 17 competitive events.

"We are proud to present this outstanding rehabilitation event, a
therapeutic extension of the superior heath care veterans receive in our
medical centers each day," said Dr. James B. Peake, Secretary of
Veterans Affairs. "Rehabilitation is crucial to living a full life
following an injury. I applaud all of the veterans participating as
they strive to achieve their goals during this week of athletic
competition."

The National Veterans Wheelchair Games, co-presented by the Department
of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Paralyzed Veterans of America, 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 Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System in Omaha and the
Paralyzed Veterans Great Plains Chapter are the local hosts for the 2008
Games. Veterans competing in the National Veterans Wheelchair Games
come from nearly every state, as well as Puerto Rico and Great Britain.

"Like serving our nation, the National Veterans Wheelchair Games are not
really about the medals. Instead, they're a mix of camaraderie,
competition and courage. And they're rehabilitation at its best for our
paralyzed veterans," said Randy L. Pleva, Sr., National President of the
Paralyzed Veterans of America. "If you are in the Omaha area, please
join us this July. You'll be inspired."

At the Games, veterans will compete in swimming, basketball, track,
weight lifting, softball, air guns, quad rugby, nine-ball, field events,
bowling, table tennis, archery, handcycling, wheelchair slalom,
trapshooting, a motorized wheelchair relay and power soccer. An
exhibition event in sled hockey will also take place this year. For the
second year, several stand-up events will be held for athletes with
amputations who choose to compete using prosthetic devices instead of
competing in their wheelchairs.

The 28th National Veterans Wheelchair Games begin July 25 with a
kick-off wheelchair basketball demonstration at the Qwest Center Omaha,
and the 2008 Disabled Sports, Recreation and Fitness Expo. Kids Day at
the Games will take place on July 27 at Northwest High School, where
local children with disabilities will meet the athletes and learn about
wheelchair sports.

Opening and closing ceremonies will also be held at the Qwest Center
Omaha, along with many of the week's competitive events. Nebraska
Governor Dave Heineman is expected to attend, along with senior VA
leaders and the president of Paralyzed Veterans of America . Some of
the sports events will be held at the Henry Doorly Zoo, the University
of Nebraska, Mockingbird and Thunderbowl Lanes, Tranquility Ice Plex and
other area venues. Admission is free to the public and the community is
encouraged to attend.

Sports are important in the therapy used to treat many disabilities. VA
is a recognized leader in rehabilitation, with therapeutic programs
available at VA health care facilities across the nation. For many
injured veterans, the Wheelchair Games provide their first exposure to
wheelchair athletics.

For more information about the National Veterans Wheelchair Games or to
volunteer during the week, visit the Games Web site at
http://www.wheelchairgames.va.gov.

Contacts:
* Kim Byers, VA Public Affairs, (734) 845-3377; or (734) 417-6230
(cell)
* Mark Daley, PVA Communications, (202) 416-7681; or (202) 615-7128
(cell)

* On-site Media Center, (402) 559-6323 or (402) 559-6324