This weekend, July 17 through the 22, members of the Paralyzed Veterans of America Southeastern Chapter (PVASE), will be competing in the 2025 National Veterans Wheelchair Games in Minneapolis.
The PVASE, which is based in Hephzibah, has 28 athletes in competition this year.
“Our athletes have trained with great dedication and passion,” said Linda Hutchinson, PVASE president. “Their participation not only highlights their incredible strength but also showcases the life-changing impact of adaptive sports and the spirit of unity that defines our chapter.”
The event, co-presented by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Paralyzed Veterans of America, is the world’s largest wheelchair sports and rehabilitation event solely for military veterans. The National Veterans Wheelchair Games 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.
This year’s games will feature competitive events such as pickleball, basketball, archery, swimming, bowling, bass fishing, weightlifting, softball, power soccer, etc. Since its founding in 1981, the games have grown from seven events and 77 athletes to hundreds of veteran participants annually.
Hutchinson says that, to the veterans, PVASE is more than just an extension of their rehab treatment, it offers them life after suffering a debilitating injury.
“We help with more than just healing from the injury. It’s about showing them that life isn’t over. You can do things like play pickle ball, bowling or even going out to dinner, you can still live your life,” Hutchinson said.
Scott Hudson is the Senior Investigative Reporter, Editorial Page Editor and weekly columnist for The Augusta Press. Reach him at scott@theaugustapress.com
