WASHINGTON – Registration is open for the 32nd National Veterans Wheelchair Games, the largest annual wheelchair sports event in the world. More than 500 veterans are expected to compete in the Games, taking place June 25-30, 2012, in Richmond, VA.

The Games, presented by the Department of Veterans Affairs and Paralyzed Veterans of America, are open to all U.S. military veterans who use wheelchairs for sports competition due to spinal cord injuries, neurological conditions, amputations, or other mobility impairments.
The athletes will compete in all events against others with similar athletic ability, competitive experience, or age. Seventeen competitive events including swimming, basketball, table tennis, archery, and wheelchair slalom (a timed obstacle course), are part of the games.

Veterans interested in competing may download the registration packet
from the Games’ website at www.wheelchairgames.va.gov or contact
Marlene Pratt at (804) 675-5000, ext. 3969, or Kristin Windon at (804)
675-5002. The deadline for interested athletes to complete their
registration is April 15.

In addition to the competitions and the
opening and closing ceremonies, the Games will include a “Kids Day” on
Friday, June 29, at Sports Backers Stadium. Children with disabilities
will have the chance to interact with the athletes, participate in
sporting events, and watch Veterans compete. The public is invited to
attend any of the sports competitions throughout the week of the Games,
and admission is free.