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> FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
>
> June 7, 2004

## National Veterans Wheelchair Games Come to St. Louis

> WASHINGTON -- More than 500 disabled veterans will compete in the
> largest annual wheelchair sports event in the world, the 24th National
> Veterans Wheelchair Games, June 15-19 in St. Louis.
>
> "The National Veterans Wheelchair Games give our nation's disabled
> veterans the opportunity to once again enjoy rigorous athletic
> competition," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Anthony J. Principi.
> "Every year these heroes demonstrate their talent, stamina and
> determination at this outstanding event, the same qualities they
> exhibited when helping preserve our nation's freedom. I\'m especially
> pleased the games are in St. Louis this year, one of America's
> premiere sports cities."
>
> The Wheelchair Games, presented by the Department of Veterans Affairs
> (VA) and Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), 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 St. Louis VA Medical Center, VA's
> Heartland Network and the PVA Gateway Chapter are hosting the 2004
> games.
>
> "Athletes competing in the National Veterans Wheelchair Games
> represent the epitome of courage and determination,\" said PVA
> National President Joseph L. Fox, Sr. \"These men and women are role
> models not only for having served their country in the military, but
> also for their ability to rise above their disabilities in competition
> to achieve their personal bests.\"
>
> **- More -**
>
> **Wheelchair Games 2/2/2/2**
>
> Sports are important in the therapy used to treat many disabilities.
> VA is a recognized leader in rehabilitation, with therapy programs
> available at VA health care facilities across the nation. For many
> injured veterans, the Wheelchair Games provide their first exposure to
> wheelchair athletics.
>
> At the games, veterans will compete in track and field, swimming,
> basketball, weightlifting, softball, air guns, quad-rugby, 9-ball,
> bowling, table tennis, archery, handcycling, a motorized rally,
> wheelchair slalom and power soccer. Trap shooting will be an
> exhibition event this year.
>
> The 24^th^ National Veterans Wheelchair Games begin June 15 with a
> wheelchair basketball demonstration at Kiener Plaza, as well as the
> 2004 Disabled Sports, Recreation and Fitness Expo. The Expo is among
> the largest exhibitions of products and services related to the
> health, well-being, sports and recreational needs of people with
> disabilities.
>
> "Kids Day at the Games" takes place June 18, when local children with
> disabilities can meet the wheelchair athletes, watch them compete and
> volunteer at the track and field events.
>
> Many of the events will be held at St. Louis' America's Center, also
> the site for the opening and closing ceremonies. Other venues include
> Shaw Aquatic Center, North Oaks Bowl, St. Clair Lanes, Forest Park,
> Winchester Trap & Skeet and the St. Louis Zoo.
>
> For more information about the National Veterans Wheelchair Games, or
> to follow events as they happen, visit the Games website at
> [http://www.wheelchairgames.org](http://www.wheelchairgames.org/)
>
> \# \# \#
>
> **Media Inquiries:**

-   Kim Byers, VA Public Affairs (734) 761-7824

-   Bob Ensinger, PVA Director of Communication (202) 416-7681

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