Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | August 1, 2011

Welcome to Pittsburgh

To our heroes:

For the last two years, we have envisioned this moment. The photo finishes. The crowds and their electrifying rally cries. Your smiling faces as you greet friends both old and new.

Oh, yes, have we envisioned this moment. And, along the way—after many days of fretting and planning and “back to square one” moments—we’ve tallied up quite a lot of successes.

We’ve packed your week of nonstop action with some exciting extras, including a Pirates game, Gateway Clipper ship cruise and an evening of all-American food at Heinz Field, home of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

We are so excited—and so very honored—to show you how all of our extra-mileefforts will play out in the week to come. And, if you would be so kind, we have just one stipulation: for you to enjoy this ride.

Take it in. Pause. Breathe. Relish this amazing week of perseverance, stiff competition and even stronger camaraderie.

Enjoy this ride.
On behalf of the Keystone Paralyzed Veterans of America and VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, we’d like to officially (and warmly) welcome you to our city.

Welcome to your Games.

Your proud hosts,

Terry Gerigk Wolf
VAPHS Director and CEO

Fred Tregaskes
Keystone PVA President

Sprit of the Games

The Spirit of the Games Award is the most prestigious honor given at the Games, recognizing the athlete who epitomizes a true champion’s qualities—excellence, sportsmanship and strength of character. Pick up a ballot at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center hospitality table and vote today! All ballots must be in no later than 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 5.

Word on the Burgh

A daily dose of Pittsburgh

• yinz: you ones
• gumbans: rubber band
• dahntahn: downtown

Today: Meet Veteran Jessica Lynch

Amid the various booths, mandatory stops and free giveaways, Veterans and visitors at today’s Expo will find a special guest: former prisoner of war Jessica Lynch. Read more.

Odds and Ends

We are completing team rosters for quad rugby, basketball, softball and power soccer today,and will distribute them during tonight’s welcome reception. Get more event details.

On the Menu

Tuesday’s Meal Schedule

• Breakfast: 5:30–9 a.m.
• Lunch: 10:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
• Dinner: 4:30–6:30 p.m.

Get more details.

At the Expo

David L. Lawrence Convention Center, Halls D and E | 9 a.m.–4 p.m.

Don’t miss…

• Veteran Jessica Lynch at a special table for female Veterans
• 2010 Miss Wheelchair Ohio Amy Jo Riter, who will greet Veterans
• The Pennsylvania Army National Guard’s 28th Division Band playing military tunes just outside the Expo area
• The Children’s Corner, which includes face painting, coloring, a bean-bag toss and a sand and water table
• The special gift for athletes at Keystone PVA’s booth.

Let the Games Begin!

Come to the legendary Roberto Clemente Bridge today to see a group of seasoned athletes tear through a one-of-a-kind slalom obstacle course! The Kick-off for the 31st National Veterans Wheelchair Games, which starts at 11:30 a.m., serves to introduce the Games to the community. For the first time, the Kick-off will showcase slalom,spotlighting the skill and grit of eight top athletes from last year’s competition.

“I encourage all to attend this year’s Games Kick-off,” said Derek Coughenour, a VAPHS physical therapist who organized the event. “This is a great prelude to a week of competition, rehabilitation and fun.” In case of rain, the Kickoff will move to the David L. Lawrence Convention Center’s Hall B.

Weather

Average high: 83°F
Average low: 60°F
Average rainfall: 3.15”