LVMAC Tidbit — Volunteers Needed for the Wheelchair Games in the Lehigh Valley Suburb of Philadelphia

Published by LVMAC on

34th National Veterans Wheelchair Games LogoVolunteers are now being sought to help with the 34th National Veterans Wheelchair Games in Philadelphia during the period 12 through 17 August 2014. The Department of Veterans Affairs and the Paralyzed Veterans of America are “co-presenting” or hosting the Games, the largest of its kind in the world, and expected to attract more than 500 veterans athletes with spinal cord injuries, amputations or serious neurological disorders.

Click here to determine volunteer opportunities (Click on the bulleted event in the left panel to get details.).  Click here to apply. For additional information, contact Melissa Heinlein, Local Volunteers Vice Chair, tel: 215-823-7800 or email: NVWGPhillyVolunteer@va.gov.

Past Games have produced a number of national and world-class champions; but more importantly, they provide opportunities for newly disabled veterans to gain sports skills and to be exposed to wheelchair athletes who are their peers – improving their overall health and state of mind. Typically, one quarter of the competitors have never before participated in any type of organized wheelchair sports competition of any kind.

Swimming, table tennis, weightlifting, archery, air guns, basketball, bocce, nine ball, softball, quad rugby, bowling, hand cycling, trapshooting, wheelchair slalom, power soccer, track and field, and a motorized wheelchair rally are among the venues. Exhibition events are also being planned. Athletes compete in all events against others with similar athletic ability, competitive experience or age.

Sponsorships are also sought from corporate, civic, and veterans organizations. Please contact Amy Scarano, Local Sponsorships/Fundraising Lead, tel: 215- 823-5945 or email: Amy.Scarano@va.gov.

Admission is free to both participants and the public. For more information, the main point of contact is Bethany Purdue, Local Host Coordinator, tel: 215- 823- 5200 or email: Bethany.Purdue@va.gov.

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 As of 27 June 2014