Volume 1, Issue 5 — Thursday July 8, 2010

Kids Day TodayCity Park PartyParalympic UpdatePresented by the Department of Veterans Affairs and Paralyzed Veterans of America

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The Honorable L. Tammy Duck-worth, the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Assistant Secretary for Pub-lic and Intergovernmental Affairs, will be at the Games today. Look for her at your events.

Kids DaY Today

30th Anniversary NVWG Quiz

1) What was the theme (slo-gan) of the 2002 Games in Cleveland?2) When were the Games fea-tured in Sports Illustrated?3) In what years was billiards, 8-ball, or 9-ball not offered? 4) When did 8-ball switch to 9-ball? 5) On what college campuses have events of the Games been held? – name five

Answers:

1. Rockin’ & Rollin’ in Cleveland; 2. 1990 - New Orleans, 2004 - St. Louis, 2008 - Omaha, 2009 - Spokane; 3. 1999 - San Juan, 2000 - San Antonio, 2006 - Anchorage; 4. 1997 - San Diego; 5. University of Michi-gan, University of Texas At Arlington, University of Maryland, Emory University,University of Washington, University of California San Diego, University of Puerto Rico, California State University Long Beach, Palo Alto Community College, UTSA (University of Texas-San Antonio, Tulane University, Incarnate Word (SA), St. John University, Wisconsin Lutheran College, University of Nebraska, Spokane Falls Community College

Opportunities abound for the ambitious Wheelchair Games athlete. As tomorrow’s competition comes to a close, you may be

wondering – what’s next? Perhaps the Paralym-pics are in your sights! Or maybe joining or even starting your own adaptive sports program in your community back home sounds promising. Thanks to VA and the U.S. Paralympics – you just might get that chance. In 2005, VA entered into an agreement with the U.S. Paralympics to introduce Veterans at the National Veterans Wheelchair Games and National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic to Para-lympic sports. As a result, VA established a high-performance downhill skiing training program at the Winter Sports Clinic. Further, organizers added the Paralympic sports of curling, biathlon and wheelchair fencing to the Clinic line-up. At the 2007 Wheelchair Games, a “stand-up” track and field clinic was established for Veterans with amputations. Paralympic “stand-up” events in table tennis and archery debuted at subsequent Wheelchair Games. In 2009, VA entered into a second agreement with the U.S. Paralympics to implement a grant program designed to enhance and expand Para-lympic sporting opportunities for Veterans with

disabilities, located in their own communities. This program will be managed by the Paralympics with funding through VA. The goal of VA’s partnership with Paralympics is to encourage you to strive for your full potential in sports as well as in life.

Paralympians here in Denver for the Games:• Carlos Leon• Scot Severn• Rory Cooper• Jim Martinson• Sebastian DeFrancisco• Mark Shepherd• Russell Wolfe• John Register• Michael Trujillo

Wheelchair Games athletes who competed in the past but are not here this year:• Patrick McDonald• Russ Monroe• Kater Cornwell• Angela Madsen• Bob Molinatti• Laverne Auchenbach

By Jeanne Stith, Program Specialist, VA National Programs and Special Events

Don’t forget about a very exciting event happening this morning at City Park from 9 to 11:30 a.m. – Kids Day

2010! Come out and be inspired as you witness Veteran athlete mentors showing some of Denver’s local children the ropes of adaptive sports and recreational programs. This year, the mentors will be instructing the children in slalom, T-ball and basketball. A special ceremony will take place at the end of the program when the mentors present all participating children with their own medals, recognizing their accomplish-ments and good sportsmanship. The kids have been invited to attend the special picnic lunch at City Park with all of the Veteran athletes here at the Games. Come on out and cheer for Den-ver’s local kids and give them an enthusiastic Wheelchair Games welcome!

Summer is fun. Everybody knows it. And maybe, just maybe, it’s not really summer unless you have one. The Olympics has one, the Super Bowl has

one; and so will the 2010 National Veterans Wheelchair Games. What’s all the hubbub? It’s the City Park Party today at Denver’s City Park Pavilion from 11-2 p.m. and you’re invited.

“It’s going to be a blast,” said Hanan Shaban, co-chair for the City Park Party.

Taking place during the track and field events, the City Park Party committee consisting of VA employees Shaban and Lea Lew, and VCS Canteen Chief Greg Jackson, who began planning for this event for the Veterans in January.

“We’re doing this in their honor,” said Jackson. “It’s all about them.”

More than 100 volunteers braved the cool, damp weather on Wednesday to make sure the City Park Party will be a success. Guaranteed to showcase some of the best food in Denver (see complete menu on p. 7), the City Park Party entertainment for adults and children will feature Renais-sance style sword fights, face painting, balloon characters and a variety of music ranging from the swinging 40s to modern day. Every hour on the hour, there will be door prizes courtesy of the VCS Canteen Service. Tickets will be given to everyone in attendance.

Nestled in east-central Denver, City Park, known as the Crown Jewel of the Queen City, rests on 330 acres and plays host to the Denver Zoo, the Denver Natural Museum

of Nature and Science, the City Municipal Golf Course and Ferril and Duck Lakes. The view from the Pavilion, where the City Park Party will be held, overlooking Ferril Lake past the electric fountain onto the Natural Museum, is a magnificent vista. Throughout the years, the City Park venue has honored the people of Denver…today the Veteran’s City Park Party will pay tribute to more than 550 of our nation’s Veterans and Wheelchair Games athletes. We’ll see you there!

Veteran’s City Park PartyBy James Theres, Public Affairs Officer, Tomah, Wis., VA Medical Center

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Breakfast is served at the Hyatt Regency in the Centennial Ballroom. Lunch is at City Park. Dinner will remain at the Colorado Convention Center, Lobby B. Menus for Thursday, July 8Breakfast:Chilled apple and orange juice; grapefruit and watermelon wedges; traditional oatmeal with raisins, brown sugar, 1% milk; scrambled eggs with roasted tomato, spinach, bacon and feta; assorted low fat muffins; and Seattle’s Best coffee and Tazo tea selection

Lunch - City Park Party:Adult BuffetSizzling chicken fajitas - served over fire grilled red peppers and onions, warm flour tortillas, fajita top-ping - shredded cheese, lettuce, diced fresh toma-toes, sour cream, homemade pico de gallo; authen-tic spanish rice; BBQ beef Austin Blue beef brisket, presented with sesame seeds buns; baby green salad - with plum tomatoes and sliced cucumbers drizzled with creamy ranch dressing; savory but-tered kernel corn; Ice cream; beverages Kid’s Day - Children’s BuffetMini corn dogs - served with mustard and ketchup; popcorn chicken tenders - served with bbq sauce and honey mustard sauce; macaroni and cheese; carrots and ranch dip; ice cream; beverage

Dinner:Garden salad with ranch and italian dressing; fire roasted rice pilaf; blackened catfish; fresh grilled vegetable medley; corn bread; ice cream; freshly brewed regular and decaffeinated coffee and herbal tea selections

Drink up! Staying hydrated helps prevent altitude sickness. Please remember to bring your reusable water bottle to all events and venues this week!

What will you tell your friends about the Games?

Interviewed by: Janie Hirth, R.N., OEF/OIF Case Manager

Thursday’s Meal Schedule:Breakfast:5:30 - 9 a.m.Lunch:10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.Dinner:4:30 - 7 p.m.

Early Events NoticeToday: If you are competing in the 8 a.m. track or field events, plan to be on the bus at 6 a.m. Tomorrow: If you are competing in handcycling at 8 a.m., plan to be on the bus at 5:15 a.m. Archery participants need to board at 6:30 a.m.Breakfast begins at 5:30 a.m. this year to accom-modate your extra early departure.

Attention HandcyclersReminder, anyone who plans to compete in handcycling tomorrow must come to the tune-up clinic today at City Park, between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Handcycling will begin at 7:30 a.m. tomorrow. Athletes must be at City Park by 6:45 a.m. to register and warm up. Handcycles will be at City Park and ready for pick-up by each athlete. The Yellow Jersey Race begins at 9 a.m.

Deadline for Spirit Nominations is 10 a.m.!Today is the last day to make your nomination for the 2010 Spirit of the Games award. One outstanding athlete has been honored with this award at the National Veterans Wheelchair Games for the past 23 years! Nomination forms and ballot boxes are in the dining area and the main hospi-tality desk, and must be turned in no later than 10 a.m.

Departure PreparationAll bags are to have a UPS tag to identify your departure airline. Tags are available for pick-up at the NVWG Hos-pitality table located on the main floor of the Hyatt.You will need to have a completed UPS tag on each bag. Put the bags you are checking together and ready for pick-up INSIDE of your room by 4 p.m. on Friday (be-fore Closing Ceremonies). Hyatt Bell staff will retrieve TAGGED LUGGAGE ONLY.

Rory Cooper, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania• First NVWG: Long Beach, California 1983• Paralympic Games: Part of the 1984 Paralympics track team World Champion/World Record holder 1987 Bronze medal in track 1988 He was the first SCI Veteran to compete and complete the1984 Triathlon Member of the Army Elite Athletic program and involved in the 1980 Olympic trials National Champion in 400 meters, 5000 meters, 10,000 meters and the 4x4 relay

Participated in the Boston Marathon three times, as well as the Marine Corps Mara-thons three times.

• Events he competes in: Swimming, Slalom• How has the NVWG helped you? “It re-introduces you to sports. The events also are stepping stones for other sports to participate in.”• Advice to newcomers:

“Talk to the guys who have been around a while. Your future can be promising! The Games teach you important life lessons and life experiences. Fitness is for life! In the beginning, you learn these lessons and in the future it’s your obligation to be the teacher. Life goes on… participate in research!”

Today’s Special Athletes Notices:• Please arrive at your events one hour before they start to ensure each event starts on time. • Hall A access to the Convention Center has been closed. Please enter through B Lobby (where meals are served.)• Today is the last day to be sized for your NVWG ring. See the booth located in the Hyatt lobby.

Karen Van Benschoten from Racine, Wis.: “I had fun. I had a super partner in both table tennis and nine-ball.”

David Santamore from Barre, Vt.: “The Games are phenom-enal. They’re a must-see. The athletes’ tenacity is inspiring.”

Larry Foster from Los Angeles, Calif.: “Denver was a fantastic town, the Games were fun, and the volunteers were wonderful. Two thumbs up to Denver!”

Michael Thomas from Milwaukee, Wis.: “I have fun every year and it is always a good time.”

Derrick Perkins from Sugarland, Texas: “I really like the atmo-sphere, people, and scenery of Denver. They make the Games that much more fun.”

Rose Cahill from Cape Cod, Mass.: “The Games are as good as they are every year!”

Question asked by Rosie Kreitman, student at the University of Wisconsin

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are not being transported to the airport on Saturday, July 10. Emergency Repair: Service will be available by calling (720) 939-6633 or (303) 359-6244.Transportation: Buses run daily from 5:15 a.m. - 10 p.m. Buses to off-site venues will be loaded at the Transporta-tion Hub outside of the Convention Center, B Lobby. Please check your specialty chair into the chair corral to be trans-ported to your events. Buses depart every 5 - 10 minutes.Track (a.m. session) start loading at 5:45 a.m.Field start loading at 5:45 a.m.Going to and from All City Track and City Park

start loading at 9:15 a.m. returning until 4 p.m.

Awards: Immediate Awards will be given two ways. Most will be awarded in the Immediate Awards area located between Halls B and C. Team events, Slalom Super G and handcycling will be awarded at those event locations.Delayed Awards will be given in Lower Lobby C, next to the memorabilia area and around the corner from the food court.Award Presentations for July 82 - 8 p.m. Delayed8 p.m. Immediate

Hospitality: Only the Hospitality table in the Hyatt Regen-cy Hotel lobby is open today (6 a.m. to 8 p.m.) Lost and Found: Contact the Command Center, Convention Center Room 703, if you have lost (or found) something.Medical Assistance: Hyatt Regency Hotel, Room 519 is open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. The Medical Suite in the Con-vention Center is open from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.For non-emergent medical attention after 11 p.m., please call the hotel operator. Medical staff are also available at each event, identified by their red t-shirt with a white medi-cal cross on the back.Durable Medical Equipment: Mineral Hall D/E at the Hyatt Regency Hotel hours are from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. As a reminder, please return your DME on Friday, July 9. You may call (303) 486-4907 or (720) 878-3108 for assistance.Memorabilia items: Memorabilia is closed today, but will be open again tomorrow. It is located near the Awards table in Lobby C of the Convention Center.Internet Café: Ten workstations are available at the Inter-net Café, located in B Lobby. Stop by to check your e-mail, Facebook or Games results! The Internet Café is open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Special thanks to HP for mak-ing this service possible.Main Wheelchair Repair Shop: Hyatt Regency Mineral B, C from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., extended when necessary.Invacare Minor Repair: Service for minor repairs will be available at the Convention Center venues and all venues. They operate 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.Specialty (Sports Chair) Chair Corral: Store your spe-cialty chair in the Chair Corral in Exhibit Hall C. You may claim your chair one hour before your event(s). Chairs need to be claimed by 5 p.m. on Friday, July 9, if they

NVWG ScheduleTHURSDAY, JULY 8

8 a.m. Field, Class 4 Track, I A, B & C

City Park All City Track

9 a.m. Field, Class 5 Powerchair 200 Kids Day

City Park All City Track City Park

9:30 a.m. Powerchair Relay All City Track10 a.m. Field, Class 3 City Park11 a.m. Field, Class 2 City Park11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Special Event, Lunch, Picnic & Entertain-

mentCity Park Pavilion

2 p.m. Field, IA, B & C Track, Class 2 & 5

City Park All city Track

4:30 - 7 p.m. Dinner CCC6:30 p.m. Basketball, Games 7 & 8

Power Soccer, Consolation GameCCC, Exhibit Hall C CCC, Exhibit Hall C

8 p.m. Basketball, Games 9 & 10 Colorado Convention Center, Exhibit Hall C

High 64o Low 56o

Chance of rain 30%