Paralyzed Veterans of America and the Department of Veterans Affairs have opened the 45th anniversary of the National Veterans Wheelchair Games in Detroit, Michigan. The six-day event begins today and runs through July 14. The gathering brings together more than 500 athletes from across the country to compete in over 20 adaptive sports events.
In celebration of the milestone year, the schedule includes special appearances by sports broadcasters Jamie Little and Bonnie-Jill Laflin, alongside Indycar Series driver Scott McLaughlin. The event will also feature specific opportunities for families to play games alongside the participating athletes. The Department of Veterans Affairs originally launched the program in 1981 with seven events and 77 athletes, and Paralyzed Veterans of America joined the partnership in 1985.
The competition is open to all U.S. military veterans with spinal cord injuries, amputations, multiple sclerosis, or other central neurological conditions who require the use of a wheelchair. Throughout the week, participants will compete in various adaptive categories, including basketball, softball, swimming, track and field, and power soccer. The overarching goal of the annual event is to help veterans develop core wheelchair skills, build confidence, and expand their personal support systems.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins noted that the event has become the largest annual wheelchair sports and rehabilitation event in the world designed specifically for veterans. Robert Thomas, a U.S. Army veteran and the national president of Paralyzed Veterans of America, stated that the organization remains committed to improving and expanding the program for future generations.
Operational support for the multi-day event is provided by the Detroit Sports Commission. Funding and resources are also assisted by a large group of corporate and organizational sponsors, including American Airlines, Deloitte, Humana Military, Medtronic, Verizon, and Waymo. Individuals interested in volunteering, sponsoring future events, or reviewing competition schedules can access resources directly through the official event website.
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