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CAS3
06-09-04, 10:55 AM
National Veterans Wheelchair Games Come to St. Louis

WASHINGTON (June 7, 2004) - More than 500 disabled veterans will compete in
the largest annual wheelchair sports event in the world, the 24th National
Veterans Wheelchair Games, June 15-19 in St. Louis.

"The National Veterans Wheelchair Games give our nation's disabled veterans
the opportunity to once again enjoy rigorous athletic competition," said
Secretary of Veterans Affairs Anthony J. Principi. "Every year these heroes
demonstrate their talent, stamina and determination at this outstanding
event, the same qualities they exhibited when helping preserve our nation's
freedom. I'm especially pleased the games are in St. Louis this year, one
of America's premiere sports cities."

The Wheelchair Games, presented by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
and Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), are open to all U.S. military
veterans who use wheelchairs for sports competition due to spinal cord
injuries, certain neurological conditions, amputations or other mobility
impairments. The St. Louis VA Medical Center, VA's Heartland Network and
the PVA Gateway Chapter are hosting the 2004 games.

"Athletes competing in the National Veterans Wheelchair Games represent the
epitome of courage and determination," said PVA National President Joseph L.
Fox, Sr. "These men and women are role models not only for having served
their country in the military, but also for their ability to rise above
their disabilities in competition to achieve their personal bests."

Sports are important in the therapy used to treat many disabilities. VA is
a recognized leader in rehabilitation, with therapy programs available at VA
health care facilities across the nation. For many injured veterans, the
Wheelchair Games provide their first exposure to wheelchair athletics.

At the games, veterans will compete in track and field, swimming,
basketball, weightlifting, softball, air guns, quad-rugby, 9-ball, bowling,
table tennis, archery, handcycling, a motorized rally, wheelchair slalom and
power soccer. Trap shooting will be an exhibition event this year.

The 24th National Veterans Wheelchair Games begin June 15 with a wheelchair
basketball demonstration at Kiener Plaza, as well as the 2004 Disabled
Sports, Recreation and Fitness Expo. The Expo is among the largest
exhibitions of products and services related to the health, well-being,
sports and recreational needs of people with disabilities.

"Kids Day at the Games" takes place June 18, when local children with
disabilities can meet the wheelchair athletes, watch them compete and
volunteer at the track and field events.

Many of the events will be held at St. Louis' America's Center, also the
site for the opening and closing ceremonies. Other venues include Shaw
Aquatic Center, North Oaks Bowl, St. Clair Lanes, Forest Park, Winchester
Trap & Skeet and the St. Louis Zoo.

For more information about the National Veterans Wheelchair Games, or to
follow events as they happen, visit the Games website at
http://www.wheelchairgames.org <http://www.wheelchairgames.org/>