MISSION & HISTORY
The National Veterans Wheelchair Games is the world’s largest annual wheelchair sports and rehabilitation event solely for military veterans. The event demonstrates the unstoppable character of veterans and seeks to foster wider respect and opportunities for all people with disabilities.
The National Veterans Wheelchair Games is open to all U.S. veterans with spinal cord injuries, amputations, multiple sclerosis, or other central neurological conditions who require a wheelchair for athletic competition. Every year, hundreds of American heroes from World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, and the post-9/11 era compete in this celebration of sport, courage and camaraderie.
EMPOWERING VETERANS SINCE 1981!
The Department of Veterans Affairs launched the Wheelchair Games in 1981 with 7 events and 77 athletes. Paralyzed Veterans of America joined the VA in 1985 to help expand the event’s mission and reach. The Wheelchair Games has flourished as more VA therapists turn to adaptive sports to help veterans become more active in their lives and communities – and, in some cases, reach higher levels of national and international competition. Over the years, thousands of veterans with disabilities have gained the skills, confidence, and experience to take on challenges in the spirit of opportunity rather than limitation.
SPIRIT OF THE GAMES AWARD
Every year, one athlete at the National Veterans Wheelchair games who shows exceptional drive and commitment will receive the “Spirit of the Games” award.
2022 LeToi Adams
Tony Jungblut
William Hendrikson
2021 Twilia Adams
2018 Keith Thompson
2017 Ardrena Bailey
2016 Jeff DeLeon
2015 Eugene Tatom
2014 Gabriel Diaz de Leon
2013 Mike Savicki
2012 Phil Rosenberg
2011 Jerry “Bull” Baylor
2010 Patricia LaBar
2009 George Norton
2008 Gus Sorenson
2007 Joe Velasquez
2006 Charles Allen
2005 Orlando Perez
2004 Gary Pearson
2003 Wayne Miller
2002 Ken Medeiros
2001 Laura Schwanger
2000 Larry Hughes
1999 Ken Huber
1998 Gil Garcia
1997 Robert Patrick Sapp
1996 Holly Koester
1995 Penny Gillett
James Torres
1994 Tim Davis
1993 Hope Cooper
1992 Kater Cornwell
1991 Max Rhodes
1990 Mike Trujillo
1989 Jim Martinson
1988 Ken Wright
1987 Russ Monroe