Vets compete in Wheelchair Games and more

#Middlebury #Veterans

The National Veterans Wheelchair Games for 2019 will be held in Louisville, Ky. These games are the largest in the world for disabled veterans, and they will be co-hosted by the Department of Veterans Affairs and Paralyzed Veterans of America. There are 19 games in all, ranging from soccer, swimming and table tennis to weightlifting, bowling, archery and more.

Signups will run through April 15. See www.wheelchairgames.org.

But that’s just some of what’s going on this year. For more information on all veterans games, go online to www.blogs.va.gov/nvspse.

The Summer Sports Clinic runs from Sept. 15-20 and offers activities in sailing, cycling, track and field and more for those who were recently injured. If you’re still in rehab, this clinic will give you an idea of the possibilities in recreation. Registration runs through May 1.

The National Veterans Golden Age Games will be held in Anchorage, Alaska, this year from June 5-10 for veterans age 55 and older who get medical care from the VA. You’ll find competitions in air rifles, golf, nine ball, swimming, track & field and more. Registration is from Feb. 25 to March 8.

The TEE Tournament is in Iowa City, Iowa, this year from Sept. 8-13. TEE (Train, Expose, Experience) teaches adaptive golf to veterans with visual or other disabilities. Other activities include fishing, bowling and more. Registration runs through May 1.

Grants are available to organizations to create and manage adaptive sports programs, and it can be worth the effort for an organization to get involved. Visit the site to learn specifics and requirements.

Check the list of grant recipients. Last year, grants to organizations ranged from $50,000 for blind athletes in skiing and rowing all the way to a half million dollars for the whole range of athletics, including, snowboarding, wheelchair, tennis and cycling.

(c) 2019 King Features Synd., Inc.