Proclaim July 4-9, 2023, to be National Veterans Wheelchair Games Week
Whereas, the National Veterans Wheelchair Games is the world’s largest annual wheelchair sports and rehabilitation event solely for military veterans; and
Whereas, the event demonstrates the unstoppable character of Veterans and seeks to foster wider respect and opportunities for all people with disabilities; and
Whereas, 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; and
Whereas, in 1981 The Department of Veterans Affairs launched the Wheelchair Games with 7 events and 77 athletes. Paralyzed Veterans of America joined the VA in 1985,
expanding the event’s mission and reach. Today, hundreds of Veteran athletes
compete in nearly two dozen events; and
Whereas, the Wheelchair Games has flourished and helps Veterans become more active in their lives and communities and, in some cases, reach higher levels of national and
international competition; and
Whereas, over the past 42 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.
Now, therefore, I, Ted Wheeler, Mayor of the City of Portland, Oregon, the “City of Roses,” do hereby proclaim July 4-9, 2023, to be
National Veterans Wheelchair Games Week
In Portland and encourage all community members to attend the National Veteran Wheelchair Games as spectators at the Oregon Convention Center to celebrate our nation’s Veterans as they compete for bronze, silver, and gold medals.