Local Disabled Veterans Competed in the Largest Annual Wheelchair Sports EventThe city of Spokane, Wash., hosted the 29th National Veterans Wheelchair Games which took place recently. Together, the Department of Veterans Affairs and Paralyzed Veterans of America presented the largest annual wheelchair sports event in the world for military veterans who are also wheelchair athletes. Local disabled veterans that participated were Andew Bernstrom, Clearwater Beach and Francisco Lopez de Vidoria, Clearwater. Veterans participating in the Wheelchair Games have served during a number of different periods, including Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom, the Gulf War, Vietnam, Korea and even WW II. This event is designed to encourage veterans to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle, despite the challenges they may face. Many of these wheelchair athletes can maneuver with more agility than most able-bodied people. The 17 events offered, which include basketball, swimming, handcycling and softball, are action-packed with fierce competition and strong camaraderie. Competing athletes have a wide range of abilities that encompass everything from world-class champions to first-time athletes, but at this five-day event, they all can showcase their individual talents in front of family, friends and spectators.
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