The National Veterans’ Wheelchair Games were first held in 1981 in Richmond, Virginia. Since then the games have grown from seven events and 74 athletes, to 600 athletes and 17 events. Last year’s games in Pittsburgh, PA were a big success with many athletes coming from well beyond the east coast.

After a successful inaugural event back in 1981, the Virginia Mid Atlantic Chapter of the Paralyzed Veterans of America and the Richmond VA Medical Center will host the games at its original site June 25 – 30, 2012. The National Veterans Wheelchair Games will be held in downtown Richmond at the Richmond Convention Center and at various other venues throughout the city.

Athletes are all military veterans, and in the 2011 games, they ranged from newly injured Vets from recent conflicts to a 90 year-old veteran of World War II. Vets quickly develop a sense of camaraderie which continues outside the competitive arena long after the games are over. Be sure to make plans to attend the games in Richmond…the events are free to the public, and like in all other sports, the athletes love to play to a big crowd!

All registrations are due April 15th, 2012, for more information visit the information page.