Courage and camaraderie: part of competition at National Veterans Wheelchair Games in Portland

The 42nd annual National Veterans Wheelchair Games kicked off on July 4 in Portland. Over 500 competitors are competing in the event, pegged as the “largest annual rehabilitation wheelchair sports event solely designed for military veterans.” The competition is open to all U.S. veterans with spinal injuries, amputations, and other conditions that require them to use a wheelchair. The annual event is a joint partnership between the Department of Veteran’s Affairs and the Paralyzed Veterans of America.

For some veterans, it is their first time seeing what wheelchair sports can offer them. For others, it is another chapter in a long time spent training and competing for a plethora of medals and commendations offered to wheelchair athletes across the world. There are over 20 adaptive sport events, including swimming, powerlifting, soccer and cycling. This year’s athletes range from ages 20-94, and 18% are novice athletes. The most common sound bouncing off the tracks and convention center halls is laughter brought about by sportsmanship and excitement for this amazing experience.

The events are free and open to the public, concluding on July 9.