http://omaha.com/index.php?u_page=1200&u_sid=10389824
Omaha.com is Omaha World Hearld address link is to the sports page

http://www1.va.gov/vetevent/nvwg/2008/Default.cfm

information from va web site.
A multi-event sports and rehabilitation program for military service veterans who use wheelchairs for sports competition due to spinal cord injuries, amputations, or certain neurological problems. Attracting more than 500 athletes each year, the National Veterans Wheelchair Games is the largest annual wheelchair sports event in the world.


The sponsors of this event are committed to improving the quality of life for veterans with disabilities and fostering better health through sports competition. While past Games have produced a number of national and world-class champions, the Games also provide opportunities for newly disabled veterans to gain sports skills and be exposed to other wheelchair athletes. Usually, one quarter of the competitors have never before participated in any type of organized wheelchair sports competition.

Vets Inspire Young Athletes At Wheelchair Games

http://www.wowt.com/news/headlines/25964689.html

The National Veterans Wheelchair Games continued Sunday with the 600 participating service members leading the charge with children in mind.


The National Veterans Wheelchair Games continued Sunday with the 600 participating service members leading the charge with children in mind.

Whether it's playing sports at Kids Day at Omaha's Northwest High School or in life, 11-year-old Jeromie Meyer gives it his best. "It feels pretty cool ‘cause you get to compete in sports and competition."

While there may be nothing slowing down Jeromie, not everyone has his attitude, which is why the mentorship program for adaptive sports was created.

"The idea of Kids Day is to match disabled kids with veterans, give them a role model, showing them that anything is possible,” said Tamara Lawter, one of those mentors.

While serving in the Army in 1994 she severed her spinal cord when her seat belt failed in an auto accident. But it never stopped her.

At the Wheelchair Games, she has competed in handcycle, shot put, discus and javelin and offers these words of encouragement. "You can do anything you want, don't give up, don't let others tell you, you can't do that. You can do anything you want to do."

For a Jeromie, that means more sports and big smiles. "It's pretty cool ‘cause you get to talk to them and learn how to play it and good they become."

Team Nebraska has nearly two dozen athletes competing in all 17 events. As of Sunday afternoon, their coach was able to count more than a dozen medals.

"We have a lot of competition left,” said head coach Michael Moore. “We're all excited and we really did good in the field events this morning. I think I had five contestants in here for Nebraska and we kicked some major butt."

The Wheelchair Games continue Monday with events in basketball, softball, bowling, swimming and weightlifting.