Let the Games Begin! Toyota Again Named Sustaining Host Sponsor of 2014 National Veterans Wheelchair Games

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Paralyzed Veterans of America are proud to announce that Toyota will again serve as a Sustaining Host Sponsor for the 34th National Veterans Wheelchair Games, which begin today in Philadelphia, and run through Sunday, August 17. Toyota will also be providing vehicles for National Veterans Wheelchair Games officials to drive throughout the week.

“The support of our sponsors is vital to putting on an event as large as the National Veterans Wheelchair Games. We thank Toyota for their continued support of this important rehabilitative event for our disabled veterans and for their commitment to our veteran wheelchair athletes,” said Al Kovach, national president of Paralyzed Veterans of America.

This year marks the 15th year that Toyota will sponsor the National Veterans Wheelchair Games— the largest annual wheelchair multi-sports event in the world. Toyota will also serve as one of the event host sponsors for table tennis and weightlifting.

“Toyota is very proud of our 15-year relationship with the Paralyzed Veterans of America,” said Mark Oldenburg, Toyota National Fleet Marketing, Mobility and Strategic Planning Manager. “Toyota is honored to once again be the sustaining sponsor of the 34th annual National Veterans Wheelchair Games and support the brave men and women who serve our country and defend our freedom.”

The National Veterans Wheelchair Games, presented annually by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Paralyzed Veterans of America, are open to all U.S. military veterans who use wheelchairs for sports competition as a result of spinal cord injury, certain neurological conditions, amputations or other mobility impairments, and are focused on providing therapeutic, holistic treatments through adaptive sports. “These Games are empowering veterans with disabilities to improve their lives through sports and recreation,” said Dave Tostenrude, Director of the National Veterans Wheelchair Games. “The athletes return home with the attitude and information of what they can do, versus, what they cannot.”

Veterans at the Wheelchair Games will compete in 18 events: air guns, archery, basketball, boccia, bowling, field, handcycling, a motorized wheelchair rally, nine ball, power soccer, quad rugby, slalom, softball, swimming, table tennis, track, trapshooting and weightlifting. This year’s Wheelchair Games will also feature an exhibition of wheelchair lacrosse. Athletes compete in all events against others with similar athletic ability, competitive experience or age. For more information about the 34th National Veterans Wheelchair Games, please visit. www.wheelchairgames.org.

Washington, DC, August 13, 2014