MISSION & HISTORY
The National Veterans Wheelchair Games is the world’s largest annual wheelchair sports and rehabilitation event solely for military veterans. The event demonstrates the unstoppable character of veterans and seeks to foster wider respect and opportunities for all people with disabilities.
The National Veterans Wheelchair Games is open to all U.S. veterans with spinal cord injuries, amputations, multiple sclerosis, or other central neurological conditions who require a wheelchair for athletic competition. Every year, hundreds of American heroes from World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, and the post-9/11 era compete in this celebration of sport, courage and camaraderie.
EMPOWERING VETERANS SINCE 1981!
The Department of Veterans Affairs launched the Wheelchair Games in 1981 with 7 events and 77 athletes. Paralyzed Veterans of America joined the VA in 1985 to help expand the event’s mission and reach. The Wheelchair Games has flourished as more VA therapists turn to adaptive sports to help veterans become more active in their lives and communities – and, in some cases, reach higher levels of national and international competition. Over the years, thousands of veterans with disabilities have gained the skills, confidence, and experience to take on challenges in the spirit of opportunity rather than limitation.
NVWG OVER THE YEARS
National Veteran Wheelchair Games locations since 1981.
1981, Richmond, Virginia
1982, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
1983, Long Beach, California
1984, Brockton, Massachusetts
1985, College Park, Maryland
1986, Dallas, Texas
1987, Ann Arbor, Michigan
1988, San Antonio, Texas
1989, Long Beach, California
1990, New Orleans, Louisiana
1991, Miami, Florida
1992, Dayton, Ohio
1993, San Antonio, Texas
1994, Kansas City, Missouri
1995, Atlanta, Georgia
1996, Seattle, Washington
1997, San Diego, California
1998, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
1999, San Juan, Puerto Rico
2000, San Antonio, Texas
2001, New York, New York
2002, Cleveland, Ohio
2003, Long Beach, California
2004, St. Louis, Missouri
2005, Minneapolis, Minnesota
2006, Anchorage, Alaska
2007, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
2008, Omaha, Nebraska
2009, Spokane, Washington
2010, Denver, CO
2011, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
2012, Richmond, Virginia
2013, Tampa, Florida
2014, Philadelphia, PA
2015, Dallas, TX
2016, Salt Lake City, UT
2017, Cincinnati, OH
2018, Orlando, FL
2019, Louisville, KY
2020, NVWG@Home
2021, New York, NY
2022, Tempe, AZ
2023, Portland, OR
2024, New Orleans, LA
SPIRIT OF THE GAMES AWARD
Every year, one athlete at the National Veterans Wheelchair games who shows exceptional drive and commitment will receive the “Spirit of the Games” award.
2024 Keyla A.
2023 Johnny S.
2022 Davis C.
2021 LeToi A., William H.
2020 Tony J.
2019 Twila A.
2018 Keith T.
2017 Ardrena B.
2016 Jeff D.
2015 Eugene T.
2014 Gabriel D.
2013 Mike S.
2011 Jerry “Bull” B.
2010 Patricia L.
2009 George N.
2008 Gus S.
2007 Joe V.
2006 Charles A.
2005 Orlando P.
2004 Gary P.
2003 Wayne M.
2002 Ken M.
2001 Laura S.
2000 Larry H.
1999 Ken H.
1998 Gil G.
1997 Robert Patrick S.
1996 Holly K.
1995 Penny G., James T.
1994 Tim D.
1993 Hope C.
1992 Kate C.
1991 Max R.
1990 Mike T.
1989 Jim M.
1988 Ken W.
1987 Russ M.