Any Veterans Going to The 29th Veterans Wheelchair Games in Spokane Wash 7-12 to 7-18

[RAFS]

Any Veterans going to The 29th Veterans Wheelchair Games July 12 to July 18, 2009 in Spokane Washington? If you are I sure would like to meet as many of my fellow Veterans as possible. Please PM or e-mail me here on Care Cure if you plan on going to the games. I'm excited as this will be my first time going to the games. Any one that has never gone to the Veterans Wheelchair games before your airfare & hotel will be paid for as a novice participant. Take care !

Thanks,
Bob
Oldsmar, Florida

[SCI-Nurse]

Would love to attend but we have therapists accompanying our team and cannot release more staff to go. We hosted the NVWG in 1997 and I was on the local committee (and in charge of all the first aiders) and it was a blast (but a LOT of hard work). We had 650 athletes that year!

(KLD)

[Them Bones]

This guy! It'll be my 6th.

You are going to meet so many people... everyone is totally friendly and outgoing. Sign up for as many events as possible, especially the slalom!

[stolisdad]

I was able to go to my first in AK missed Milwaukee and made Omaha last year. The games are a great time I recommend signing up for five events and at least watching as many events as you are able to. You'll find the "old timers" are quick to advise, assist and show you the ropes.

[skippy13]

I'll go as an observer if I can make it. I have family up there (it's my birthplace) and would love to come to see and cheer you on.

I'll bring my camera and photograph your events if you wish.

Amy

[Bookjunky]

Last year, Omaha, was my first year. We are working on our fundraisers to get as much of our team there as possible.

[RAFS]

This guy! It'll be my 6th.

You are going to meet so many people... everyone is totally friendly and outgoing. Sign up for as many events as possible, especially the slalom!
I'm excited about going. Thanks for your encouraging words. If I do go I hope that we will be able to meet one another. May be we should PM or e-mail each other our cell phone numbers so we can get in touch with each other at the games. Let me know if that's what you want to do & I will PM you mine & then you can do like wise.
Take care my fellow Veterans. I hope we get to meet in July in Spokane.
Bob

[Timo]

My son will attend this event. It is a great opportunity for him to meet his fellow veteran.

[Veteran Advisor]

My son will attend this event. It is a great opportunity for him to meet his fellow veteran.

It'll be eye opening both for Tim and the family once you see how many paralyzed vets there are living in our society...and the amazing way they defy the odds and achieve independence no matter the level of injury. My first NVWG forever changed my outlook on life.


http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa118/gunnergill72/medal-1.jpg

[conrad]

I just got my packet in the mail today! It doesn't say but does anyone here have an event list, one that shows events quads can compete in maybe?
Thanks,
conrad

[Veteran Advisor]

I just got my packet in the mail today! It doesn't say but does anyone here have an event list, one that shows events quads can compete in maybe?

Conrad,

Here's a link to last year's games that explains each event. You'll have to verify whether the events you choose will be held in Spokane. http://pva.convio.net/site/DocServer/27th_Events__Rules_booklet.pdf?docID=1401

FYI, I did the slalom (gold), airguns (bronze), and weightlifting (gold). Hope that helps.

[skippy13]

I just got my packet in the mail today! It doesn't say but does anyone here have an event list, one that shows events quads can compete in maybe?
Thanks,
conrad

Conrad; go to www.wheelchairgames.va.gov (http://www.wheelchairgames.va.gov) and from the menu on the left pick events and rules. It lists the events and rules (of course) and the various venues. I also found a list of the hotels that will be used somewhere on there. They seem to all be in the downtown area, but maybe you can use that to coordinate the best hotel in location to your particular events. None of the hotels are far from any event venue, and transportation is provided, so it is not really that much of an issue, but if you look up the hotels, you can choose personal preferences.

Amy

[Veteran Advisor]

Conrad; go to www.wheelchairgames.va.gov (http://www.wheelchairgames.va.gov) and from the menu on the left pick events and rules. It lists the events and rules (of course) and the various venues. I also found a list of the hotels that will be used somewhere on there. They seem to all be in the downtown area, but maybe you can use that to coordinate the best hotel in location to your particular events. None of the hotels are far from any event venue, and transportation is provided, so it is not really that much of an issue, but if you look up the hotels, you can choose personal preferences.

Amy

Unfortunately, that website doesn't explain which events a quad can participate in. I wish they'd do a better job of that in those packets or on the website. Just to add to Skippy's post, Conrad, if you go with a team instead of as an individual it'll be easier to get flight, hotel, and travel arrangements made...of course, assuming your VA's SCI Recreation Therapy department has a team. Some PVA chapters also offer to pay for part of the trip for novices so try sending a request-for-funds letter to your local chapter as well.

Gunner

[conrad]

Thanks for the info Skippy and Veterans Advisor. I will take a look at the links! I live in sw Washington so getting to the games is kinda a local affair. I'll talk to the local PVA this week as well, I'm pretty excited about the games.

[skippy13]

The site I mentioned lists participation by classification. Classification is done on Sunday I believe. You have to know what your classification numbers are. At the bottom of each list of rules and description of events is a web address you can contact for further information.

[Veteran Advisor]

The site I mentioned lists participation by classification. Classification is done on Sunday I believe. You have to know what your classification numbers are. At the bottom of each list of rules and description of events is a web address you can contact for further information.

The problem is they want you to pick your events when you send in your packet, yet they classify you only after you get there. Moreover, some vets like to train a bit for their events before going, so it helps to have a solid idea of what they entail/require. I went through that confusion during my first games for that exact reason.

Ideally, novices need to talk to a Physical or Recreation Therapist who's familiar with the games before deciding in which they'll participate.

[Bookjunky]

Unfortunately, that website doesn't explain which events a quad can participate in. I wish they'd do a better job of that in those packets or on the website. Just to add to Skippy's post, Conrad, if you go with a team instead of as an individual it'll be easier to get flight, hotel, and travel arrangements made...of course, assuming your VA's SCI Recreation Therapy department has a team. Some PVA chapters also offer to pay for part of the trip for novices so try sending a request-for-funds letter to your local chapter as well.

Gunner

The events a quad can do really depend on the level of the quad. I did power slalom - gold, air rifle - gold, shot - gold, discus - gold, and javelin - gold last year. I use a lot of stickum on the discus.

One of my team mates played rugby and it looked like it was a blast. Other options include table tennis, bowling, biliards a lot depends on your level really. I compete as a 1C. When I play table tennis I play with my hand strapped to the paddle. I want to try stick bowling I think. Ramp bowling isn't enough of a challange and there is no way I can hold a bowling ball.

[skippy13]

The problem is they want you to pick your events when you send in your packet, yet they classify you only after you get there. Moreover, some vets like to train a bit for their events before going, so it helps to have a solid idea of what they entail/require. I went through that confusion during my first games for that exact reason.

Ideally, novices need to talk to a Physical or Recreation Therapist who's familiar with the games before deciding in which they'll participate.

Or they could just look at page four of the registration packet. This is the end of my participation and attempts to help. Good luck everyone.

[lopez787]

well i'll be going with about 10 other veterans here in puerto rico. just look for the loud group speaking spanglish...lol