What is the NVWG?

The National Veterans Wheelchair Games is co-presented between the Department of Veterans Affairs and Paralyzed Veterans of America.  The Games serve Veterans with Spinal Cord Injury, Multiple Sclerosis, Amputations and other central neurological impairments with the goal to increase their independence, healthy activity and quality of life through wheelchair sports and recreation.  Veterans are being exposed to wheelchair sports at their home VAMC or PVA Chapters as part of their rehabilitation to improve function, independence and getting them active in their home communities in sport and fitness.

We are preparing to celebrate our 39th year in Louisville, KY, July 11 – 16, 2019.  The Games move from city to city annually to take advantage of the opportunities that educate Veterans on accessibility, travel, adaptation, etc.  Additionally, moving the event annually helps introduce the program to new Veterans, sponsors and partners for the VA and PVA.  Over the years we have seen the benefit of these relationships that strengthen opportunities for Veteran services but also for the greater disabled community in that area for years afterward.

The National Veterans Wheelchair Games has 19 different events that Veterans can choose to participate.  Events such as Wheelchair Basketball, Softball, Swimming, Cycling, Power Lifting, Trap Shooting are just a few of the events that support this dynamic competition.

Registration for the 39thNVWG is OPEN.

Returning past participants, CLICK HERE

First time attending the Games, CLICK HERE

Additional forms below:
Athlete required forms
Coach required forms

Qualifying Disability Statement:

Participation in the NVWG is open to Veterans having spinal cord injuries, amputations, multiple sclerosis or other central neurological conditions who require a wheelchair for athletic competition.  The individual’s physical injury must be permanent and measurable.  Exclusionary primary diagnosis includes but are not limited to conditions related to pain, arthritis, emotional and psychological conditions. All participants must be eligible for VA healthcare.

Volunteer registration for for the 38th National Veterans Wheelchair Games is now closed.

DOWNLOAD THE NVWG MOBILE APP

Everything you need for the National Veterans Wheelchair Games is on our mobile app.

  • Go-to Resource for Games Information
  • Real-time Schedule Updates
  • Interactive Expo Guide & Floor Plan
  • Notifications Throughout the Week

Here’s three ways you can download it to your smart device:

  1. Go to https://crowd.cc/s/1qU8c to download now.
  2. Search the App Store for NVWG
  3. Open your NVWG app from last year. Tap the hamburger icon, and hit the Back to All Events options to view this year’s content.

Louisville 2019

Find important information about the 39th National Veterans Wheelchair Games including Athlete, Coaches & Volunteer Registration, Event Rules, Schedule, Hotel Information, and Eligibility Criteria.

Learn More

VA | PVA Partnership

2019 marks 39 years of the National Veterans Wheelchair Games (NVWG) empowering Veterans with spinal cord injuries, Multiple Sclerosis, amputations and other neurological impairments to live more healthy and independent lives through sports and recreation. Co-presented by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), this annual rehabilitation program introduces new or “novice” Veterans from across the United States to wheelchair sports while providing an opportunity for returning Veterans to compete and come together as a community to support one another. From the early days in Richmond to this coming summer in Orlando, thousands of Veterans have or are gaining the skills, confidence, and experience through wheelchair sports to take on the challenges in their daily lives with a spirit of opportunity rather than limitation.

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