2024 National Veterans Wheelchair Games

#TOGETHERSTRONG, for the greater good!

Last month, New Orleans, LA, transformed into a vibrant hub of adaptive sports as the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) co-hosted the 2024 National Veterans Wheelchair Games (NVWG)! The NVWG is the world’s largest annual wheelchair sports and rehabilitation event open solely to Veterans with spinal cord injuries (SCI), amputations, multiple sclerosis, or other central neurological conditions who require a wheelchair for athletic competition.

This event demonstrates the persevering characteristic of Veterans and seeks to foster wider respect and opportunities for all people with disabilities.

“Volunteering at the NVWG was truly an honor. Meeting the Veterans, hearing their stories, and watching them persevere and overcome the challenges of their disabilities was so inspiring. Every participant should be proud of the incredible strength and courage they showed throughout the week. Being able to support and cheer each Veteran athlete on with the rest of the First Nation Group team was an experience I will never forget.”
Quinn Enderson, Patient Solutions Clinical Specialist

The event was more than just a competition, it was a celebration of unity and determination, supported by the vibrant #TOGETHERSTRONG spirit! First Nation Group was a proud sponsor of Slalom, an adaptive obstacle course that challenges participants to navigate through a series of obstacles in the fastest time possible, as well as Kids Day and the Spirit of the Games Award. Throughout the week, First Nation Group rooted for their favorite athletes and were the best fans in the stands!

This year, U.S. Army Veteran, Keyla Agosto Moreira, an U.S. Army Veteran, was presented with the Spirit of the Games Award for her exceptional drive and commitment. Keyla truly encompasses all that the NVWG represents. In addition to getting the opportunity to support her on-site, First Nation Group will sponsor travel and accommodations for her and a guest to the 2025 NVWG in Minneapolis, MN, as well as a trip to anywhere in the domestic United States. We are honored to celebrate her achievements and look forward to continuing our support for future Spirit of the Games Award winners, just like Keyla!

Winning the Spirit of the Games Award at the NVWG is an incredible honor, especially as a female athlete. It not only represents my personal journey, but the collective spirit of resilience, camaraderie, and determination that defines the NVWG. The NVWG has given me a renewed sense of purpose and community, and I am deeply grateful to be a part of such an amazing event!

Keyla Agosto Moreira

Spirit of the Games Winner

As the curtains closed on the 2024 NVWG, it was clear that the real triumph wasn’t just in medals won, but in friendships forged and spirits lifted.

This year’s event embodied the thrill of overcoming challenges and the joy of doing it, #TOGETHERSTRONG. It was a celebration of what makes us strong, both individually and as a community!