Games Taking Place This Week in Pittsburgh
WASHINGTON, DC— The U.S. Senate unanimously passed a bipartisan resolution introduced by U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and Pat Toomey (R-PA) recognizing and commending the 2011 National Veterans Wheelchair Games. The event, which is being held in Pittsburgh this week, is the largest annual wheelchair sporting event in the world, attracting roughly 600 veteran athletes.
“I am proud to welcome veterans from across the country to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania this year as they participate in the 31st annual National Veterans Wheelchair Games,” said Senator Casey. “As a representative of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, home to over one million veterans, the care and treatment of veterans is one of my highest priorities. Our country owes a debt of gratitude to every single man and woman who has served in harm’s way. This resolution recognizes the great contributions that this event makes toward improving the lives of disabled veterans.”
“I join all Pennsylvanians in welcoming veterans nationwide to Pittsburgh for these National Veterans Wheelchair Games. I thank them for their service and hope their experiences at the games in Pittsburgh will be enjoyable and memorable,” Sen. Toomey said. “Our veterans have sacrificed much for their country, and we must make sure their efforts to protect America are not forgotten.”
The National Veterans Wheelchair Games are a multi-event sports and rehabilitation program for veterans who use wheelchairs for sports competition due to spinal cord injuries, amputations or neurological problems. These games have allowed veterans, including those who have served in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, a chance to meet with other wheelchair athletes and to continue to use their athletic skills in competition.
Full text of the resolution is below.
RESOLUTION
Recognizing and commending the 2011 National Veterans
Wheelchair Games, to be held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
August 1 through August 6, 2011.
Whereas the National Veterans Wheelchair Games are a
multi-event sports and rehabilitation program for veterans
who use wheelchairs for sports competition due to
spinal cord injuries, amputations, or neurological problems;
Whereas the National Veterans Wheelchair Games is the
largest annual wheelchair sporting event in the world, attracting
roughly 600 athletes annually;
Whereas in 2011, the National Veterans Wheelchair Games
will be held August 1 through August 6, in Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania;
Whereas competitive events at the National Veterans Wheelchair
Games include table tennis, archery, swimming,
quad rugby, weightlifting, air guns, nine-ball, basketball,
softball, bowling, handcycling, power soccer, trapshooting,
Super ‘‘6’’ slalom, a motorized wheelchair rally, and
track and field events;
Whereas the National Veterans Wheelchair Games provide
veterans with disabilities the opportunity to enhance their
quality of life and promote better health through sports
competition; and
Whereas past National Veterans Wheelchair Games have produced
national and world-class champions and given
newly disabled veterans, including veterans who have
served in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation
Iraqi Freedom, a chance to participate in events with
other wheelchair athletes and to continue to use their
athletic skills in competition: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate—
(1) recognizes the significant contribution that
the National Veterans Wheelchair Games make to
the lives of disabled veterans who have selflessly
served the United States; and
(2) commends the organizers and volunteers of
and the participants in the 2011 National Veterans
Wheelchair Games for their efforts in service of the
United States.
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