Salisbury VA team goes to National Wheelchair Games
Published 3:42 pm Tuesday, October 25, 2016
- Submitted photo Veterans from the Salisbury VA Health Care System who attended the 2016 National Veterans Wheelchair Games in Denver pose for a photo with the Recreation Therapy and Rehabilitation Medicine staff.
SALISBURY – The Salisbury VA Medical Center celebrated and congratulated the Salisbury veteran participants of the 2016 National Veterans Wheelchair Games last Tuesday.
Thirteen members of the Salisbury VA team, nicknamed “Blue Steel,” travelled to Denver for the 36th NVWG in June and won 29 individual and team medals in 19 different events during the week-long competition held June 27 to July 2.
2016 was the third year the Salisbury team attended the NVWG, and the team is looking forward to attending next year’s games, which will be held in Cincinnati, Ohio, from July 17-22.
The NVWG is the largest annual wheelchair sporting event in the world, and is designed to introduce veterans to adaptive sports, as well as build camaraderie and competition.
“I never thought I’d be able to ever do these things again at all,” said Bruce Couture, a U.S. Army veteran, who participated in bowling, rifle marksmanship, power soccer and the power slalom course. When asked if he plans to attend again, he replied with enthusiasm, “I’m going again. That was too much fun.”
“I’m so proud of the veterans who represented Salisbury VA at the Wheelchair Games,” said Kaye Green, Salisbury VA Medical Center director. “Their dedication, courage and commitment is inspiring and humbling. The rehabilitation of not only body, but spirit, is evident by the smiles on their faces.”
Veterans who are interested in participating in the National Veterans Wheelchair Games, or learning more about adaptive sports, can contact the Salisbury VA recreation therapy department at 704-638-9000 ext. 3223. Information is also available online at http://wheelchairgames.org.
Individuals interested in donating in support of veterans attending the games can donate through the E-Donate button at www.salisbury.va.gov and specifying National Veterans Wheelchair Games as the program for donation. One hundred percent of donated funds go directly to supporting veterans attending the NVWG.
The Department of Veterans Affairs and Paralyzed Veterans of America jointly sponsor theNational Veterans Wheelchair Games.
