NVWG

[SCI-Nurse]

For anyone who is a disabled veteran, consider participating in the National Veterans Wheelchair Games. You do not have to be a VA patient to participate, but you do have to have a disability that requires the use of a wheelchair, and you have to be a military veteran. This year the NVWG are in Cleveland, OH July 9-13. The deadline for applications is quickly approaching (and it does require a physician's release).

http://www.pva.org/NEWPVASITE/sports.../gameindex.htm

Here is a link to the site from last year's Games (in NYC):

http://www.va.gov/vetevent/nvwg/2001/

The NVWG are fun for all levels and types of injuries. There are events that even those on vents or who use power chairs full time can participate in, and there are lots of fun social events as well. You don't have to be a major jock either, and novice class is a great place to get started.

If you are not a veteran and live in the Cleveland area, consider volunteering to help, or at least plan to attend some of the events and cheer on the athletes. This is the largest wheelchair sports event held annually in the USA. Most years there are 600+ athletes competing.

(KLD)