Highmark Inc. and United Concordia Dental Serve As Premier Sponsor of 2014 National Veterans Wheelchair Games

WASHINGTON--()--The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Paralyzed Veterans of America today announced that Highmark Inc. and United Concordia Dental will serve as a premier sponsor of the 34th National Veterans Wheelchair Games, Aug. 12-17, in Philadelphia.

“We thank Highmark and United Concordia for their generous support of this important rehabilitative event for our disabled veterans,” said Al Kovach, national president of Paralyzed Veterans of America. “Through their support of the National Veterans Wheelchair Games, they are playing an important role in what is often a life-changing experience for many of our veteran participants.”

The National Veterans Wheelchair Games is the largest annual wheelchair sports competition of its kind. More than 500 athletes meet each year to compete in a variety of sporting events including archery, swimming, weightlifting, basketball and quad rugby. The Games encourage veterans to become aware of what they can achieve with their disability, while fostering a healthy lifestyle of sports competition.

“As administrator of the Department of Defense’s TRICARE Active Duty Dental Program, United Concordia is delighted to expand our existing relationship with the Paralyzed Veterans of America as a premier sponsor of this year’s annual Games,” said F.G. “Chip” Merkel, United Concordia Dental president and COO. “Our support of Paralyzed Veterans and this competition is one of many ways United Concordia and Highmark honor the commitment and sacrifices made by wounded military veterans. Specifically, the Games give these women and men the opportunity to interact with other veterans, who face similar circumstances, in a variety of sporting events. We are proud to support and recognize these American heroes for their perseverance and their athletic abilities.”

The National Veterans Wheelchair Games, presented annually by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Paralyzed Veterans of America, 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, and are focused on providing therapeutic, holistic treatments through adaptive sports. “These Games are empowering veterans with disabilities to improve their lives through sports and recreation,” said Dave Tostenrude, director of the National Veterans Wheelchair Games. “The athletes return home with the attitude and information of what they can do, versus, what they cannot.”

For more information about the 34th National Veterans Wheelchair Games, please visit www.pva.org/wheelchairgames.

About Paralyzed Veterans of America

Paralyzed Veterans of America was founded by a group of seriously injured American heroes from the “Greatest Generation” of World War II. They created a nonprofit organization to meet the challenges that they faced back in the 1940s — from a medical community not ready to treat them to an inaccessible world. For more than 68 years, Paralyzed Veterans’ national office and its 34 chapters across the nation have been making America a better place for all veterans and people with disabilities. For more information, visit www.pva.org.

About the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of National Veterans Sports Programs & Special Events

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of National Veterans Sports Programs & Special Events is the recognized world leader in rehabilitative and recreational therapies for disabled Veterans. VA promotes the rehabilitation of body and spirit by operating adaptive sports clinics and competitions around the nation. Learn more about VA's adaptive sports programs and partnerships at www.va.gov/adaptivesports.

About Highmark Inc.

Highmark Inc. is among the largest health insurers in the United States and the fourth-largest Blue Cross and Blue Shield-affiliated company. Highmark and its diversified businesses and affiliates operate health insurance plans in Pennsylvania, Delaware and West Virginia that serve 5.2 million members. Its diversified health businesses serve group customer and individual health needs across the United States through dental insurance, vision care and other related health businesses. Highmark is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, an association of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies. For more information, visit www.highmark.com.

About United Concordia Dental

United Concordia Dental has administered dental programs for the Department of Defense since 1996. During this time, the company has become one of the nation’s largest and most respected dental wellness companies, delivering high-quality, cost-effective dental programs. Headquartered in Harrisburg, Pa., the company serves nearly 7.5 million members, boasts a network of more than 96,000 dentists at over 273,000 access points nationwide and is licensed in all 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico. United Concordia has a companywide dedication and commitment to superior customer service, which is evident in the design, implementation, administration and servicing of its dental benefits programs. For more information, visit UnitedConcordia.com.

Contacts

Paralyzed Veterans of America
Lani Poblete, 202-412-1709
or
Highmark Inc.
Leilyn Perri, 717-302-3243
or
United Concordia Dental
Beth Rutherford, 717-260-7659

Release Summary

Highmark Inc. and United Concordia Dental Serve as Premier Sponsor of 2014 National Veterans Wheelchair Games

Contacts

Paralyzed Veterans of America
Lani Poblete, 202-412-1709
or
Highmark Inc.
Leilyn Perri, 717-302-3243
or
United Concordia Dental
Beth Rutherford, 717-260-7659