#MotivationMonday | National Veterans Wheelchair Games

This #MotivationMonday, First Nation Group is coming to you with news of our nation’s heroes who demonstrated their incredible athleticism during this year’s National Veterans Wheelchair Games (NVWG)!!

The NVWG is the world’s largest annual wheelchair sports and rehabilitation event solely for military Veterans. The event demonstrates the unstoppable character of Veterans and seeks to foster wider respect and opportunities for all people with disabilities. The NVWG 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.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) launched the Wheelchair Games in 1981 with 7 events and 77 athletes. Paralyzed Veterans of America joined the VA in 1985 to help expand the event’s mission and reach. The NVWG has flourished as more VA therapists turn to adaptive sports to help Veterans become more active in their lives and communities – and, in some cases, reach higher levels of national and international competition. Over the 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.

This July, First Nation Group returned to the NVWG in Portland, OR, as a sponsor of Slalom, an obstacle course sporting event, and the Spirit of the Games Award. Our team put their #TOGETHERSTRONG spirit to the test as those volunteering on-site supported hundreds of American Veterans while they competed in this celebration of sport, courage, and camaraderie.

“The National Veterans Wheelchair Games was an eye-opening experience – to see how each Veteran athlete can compete in their wheelchair was amazing and something most may take for granted. Being able to watch how much fun they have playing their sport and competing against each other, but still helping and cheering each other on at the same time, was truly the best part of my experience. It really makes you feel like your time as a volunteer is well spent and appreciated at the National Veterans Wheelchair Games.”

Amber Sorenson

Customer Support Representative

BIG CONGRATS to Johnny Sandoval, U.S. Navy Veteran, who was awarded the Spirit of the Games Award for his exceptional drive and commitment, encompassing all that the NVWG is about. In addition to receiving the award, First Nation Group is excited to provide Johnny a trip for two (2) to anywhere in the continental United States and cover travel and lodging for him and a guest to next year’s NVWG in New Orleans, LA. Our team is already looking forward to cheering Johnny on alongside the rest of the amazing Veteran athletes!

Learn more about Johnny, his experience with the NVWG, and his reasons for returning year after year: