Celebrate Independence Day with Disabled Veterans

Celebrate Independence Day with Disabled Veterans
Heroes Who Sacrificed for America's Freedom

WASHINGTON (June 9, 2010) - The Fourth of July celebration in Denver
takes on special importance this year when more than 500 wheelchair
athletes who are all military Veterans begin competition at the 30th
National Veterans Wheelchair Games. The event, presented each year by
the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Paralyzed Veterans of
America, runs July 4 through July 9.

"Honoring those who have given so much to this Nation is appropriate on
the day we celebrate America's independence," said Secretary of Veterans
Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. "The National Veterans Wheelchair Games
exemplify America's commitment to its disabled Veterans and the
continuing heroism of these men and women."

The games provide an annual multi-event sports rehabilitation program
that is open to Veterans who use wheelchairs for sports competition due
to spinal cord injuries, amputations or certain neurological problems
and who receive care at any VA medical facility. Athletes attending can
be first-time wheelchair athletes or experienced Paralympians. Six of
this year's participants have previously competed at the world-class
Paralympic level.

"Independence Day is the perfect day to kick off this year's National
Veterans Wheelchair Games," said Gene A. Crayton, national president of
Paralyzed Veterans of America. "For 30 years, the Wheelchair Games have
helped to empower thousands of paralyzed Veterans to get back into life
after serious injury, and to eventually lead full and independent
lives."

At the National Veterans Wheelchair Games, Veterans will compete in 17
different sports, including air guns, archery, basketball, bowling,
field events, handcycling, nine-ball, a motorized wheelchair relay,
power soccer, quad rugby, softball, swimming, table tennis, track,
trapshooting, weightlifting and wheelchair slalom. This year, an
exhibition event will also be held in kayaking.

The 30th National Veterans Wheelchair Games begin on Sunday, July 4,
with a quad rugby demonstration in Civic Center Park in downtown Denver.
Kids Day at the games takes place Thursday, July 8, at City Park, where
local children with disabilities will meet the athletes and learn about
wheelchair sports. Other events will be held at Brunswick Zone, Invesco
Field at Mile High Stadium, Family Shooting Center, Fishback Park, the
Colorado Convention Center and other area venues. Admission is free to
the public and local attendance is encouraged.

The VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System in Denver and the Mountain
States Chapter of Paralyzed Veterans of America are hosting the 2010
Games. For many injured Veterans, the Wheelchair Games provide their
first exposure to wheelchair athletics.

For more information about the National Veterans Wheelchair Games or to
volunteer during the week, visit the Games Web site at
www.wheelchairgames.va.gov.

VA is a recognized leader in rehabilitative and recreational therapies,
and operates more than 1,400 sites of care, including 153 medical
centers (www.va.gov). Paralyzed Veterans of America was founded 63
years ago. For more than six decades, Paralyzed Veterans of America and
its 34 chapters have been working to create an America where all
Veterans and people with disabilities and their families have everything
they need to thrive (www.pva.org ).