Northern Colorado Veterans roll into Detroit for the annual National Veterans Wheelchair Games

Six veterans from the northern Colorado area will participate in the National Veterans Wheelchair Games (NVWG) event, July 9–14.

Name    Bib #*    Age    City    State    Facility    Service Branch
Rafael Nunez-Alvarez    359    20    Englewood    CO    VA Eastern Colorado    Navy
Michael Solano    521    57    Brighton    CO    VA Eastern Colorado    Army
Richard Spears    597    57    Denver    CO    VA Eastern Colorado    Air Force
David Spotts    751    77    Aurora    CO    VA Eastern Colorado    Navy
Harold Taylor    53    73    Aurora    CO    VA Eastern Colorado    Air Force
Tom Wheaton    442    59    Golden    CO    VA Eastern Colorado    Navy

The five-day event, with its focus on demonstrating the unstoppable character of veterans, offers competitors the opportunity to showcase their talents through events such as basketball, softball and wheelchair rugby. Approximately 500 veterans from across the country are expected to participate and will be supported by around 3,000 volunteers and sponsors.

“The Wheelchair Games epitomizes the strength, courage, and determination of our veterans.” Said Dave Tostenrude, Director of the National Veterans Wheelchair Games. “I’m excited for them to have this impactful experience as part of their health care journey.”

The first Wheelchair Games were held in 1981. For 45 years, the event has empowered veterans to live more independent and active lives through adaptive sports, fitness, and recreation. World-class instructors and recreation therapists help veterans experience the full potential of rehabilitation and sports medicine as a tool to adapt and overcome perceived barriers in our communities, travel, and in life beyond the perception of “disability”.

To view content from the event, follow and tag @Sports4Vets on X, Instagram, and Facebook and search #wheelchairgames. B-roll video and photos will be available during the event at https://www.flickr.com/photos/veteransaffairs/albums/with/7217772032632….

*Photos will be updated each day of the event, beginning July 10 and can be searched by bib number at https://runsignup.com/Race/Photos/MI/Detroit/USNationalVeteransWheelcha….

For more information or to request an interview contact damian.mcgee@va.gov or call .
 

Nick Sanchez, Acting Public Affairs Officer