33rd National Veterans Wheelchair Games to be Held in Tampa, Florida

--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Paralyzed Veterans of America:


WHO:			Paralyzed Veterans of America
			Department of Veterans Affairs
			Approximately 600 athletes, all military veterans in wheelchairs

WHAT:			The largest annual wheelchair sports event in the world—the National Veterans Wheelchair Games—will be held in Tampa, Florida, this year where approximately 600 veteran athletes from across the United States, Puerto Rico and Great Britain will compete throughout an exciting week of competition, camaraderie and fun.

			The Wheelchair Games include 18 events: air guns, archery, basketball, boccia, bowling, field, handcycling, a motorized wheelchair rally, nine ball, power soccer, quad rugby, slalom, softball, swimming, table tennis, track, trapshooting and weightlifting. This year’s Games will also feature exhibitions of water skiing and tennis. Athletes compete in all events against others with similar athletic ability, competitive experience or age. Gold, silver and bronze medals are awarded in Olympic style to the winners of each event.

			Admission is free and open to the public. All are encouraged to attend. For more information, including a full schedule of events and registration information please visit www.wheelchairgames.pva.org or www.wheelchairgames.va.gov.

			The National Veterans Wheelchair Games are presented annually by Paralyzed Veterans of America and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The Games are open to all U.S. military veterans who use wheelchairs for sports competition as a result of spinal cord injury, certain neurological conditions, amputations or other mobility impairments. The Florida Gulf Coast Chapter of Paralyzed Veterans of America and the James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital are the hosts of this year’s Games.

WHEN:			July 13-18, 2013

WHERE:			Events will be held at venues throughout Tampa, including: Tampa Convention Center; Marriott Waterside; Raymond James Stadium; and, Tampa Bay Times Forum