On Sunday, July 27, Omaha-area children with physical disabilities will have a chance to meet some world-class wheelchair athletes, learn about living with disabilities and compete in wheelchair sports during Kids Day 2008.
The special event takes place at Northwest High School in Omaha from 1 to 4 p.m. It is part of the 28th National Veterans Wheelchair Games, which will be held in Omaha from July 25 through July 29.
Kids Day 2008 offers children with physical disabilities an opportunity to interact, and also participate in several athletic events including t-ball, archery and wheelchair slalom, under the guidance of experienced wheelchair athletes competing in this year’s National Veterans Wheelchair Games. As athlete mentors watch, the children will enjoy both interactive and educational activities.
Children ages 6 to 16 years old are invited to participate. The event is free.
Parents can register their child by contacting either Susan Dover at (402) 995-3358 or susan.dover@va.gov, or Sheila Skipper at (800) 424-8200 or sheilas@pva.org.
Each year, Kids Day introduces the exciting world of adaptive sports and recreation to children with physical disabilities. At the conclusion of a fun-filled afternoon, a special closing ceremony will take place where the athletes will present the children with their own medals for participating in Kids Day.
More than 500 veterans are expected to compete in the 28th National Veterans Wheelchair Games, the largest annual wheelchair sports competition in the world. Athletes come from across the United States, Puerto Rico and Great Britain, and represent veterans who have served from World War II to Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. Among the featured 17 competitive events are handcycling, quad rugby, basketball, weightlifting, track, field and softball.
Events will take place at the Qwest Center Omaha, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Northwest High School, Henry Doorly Zoo, and Mockingbird and Thunderbowl Lanes. Exhibition Sled Hockey will take place at Tranquility Ice Arena.
The Games are presented by the Department of Veterans Affairs and Paralyzed Veterans of America. The VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System and the Great Plains Paralyzed Veterans of America are hosting the 2008 event.
For more information, contact Will Ackerman at (402) 995-4719 or william.ackerman@va.gov. The games Web site is www.wheelchairgames.va.gov.