Presenters of the Games

Department of Veterans Affairs

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) was established on March 15, 1989, succeeding the Veterans Administration. It is responsible for providing federal benefits to veterans and their dependents. Headed by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, VA is the second largest of the 15 Cabinet departments and operates nationwide programs for health care, financial assistance and burial benefits.

Among VA's key health care missions is providing veterans with cutting edge national rehabilitation programs that create a therapeutic environment, increase and develop personal growth, achieve therapeutic goals, maximize functional capabilities, and improve the overall quality of life through sports and recreational activities. VA founded the National Veterans Wheelchair Games in 1981. Today, the Department also cosponsors three other national rehabilitation special events for America's veterans each year. For more information, visit www.va.gov

Paralyzed Veterans of America

For more than 60 years, the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), a nonprofit veterans service organization with 21,000 members and chartered by the United States congress, has worked to meet the unique needs of military veterans who have a spinal cord injury or disease. PVA is a dynamic, broad-based organization with 34 chapters and 59 National Service Offices nationwide. While PVA fights for the needs of veterans with spinal cord dysfunction, PVA’s efforts benefit all Americans with disabilities. PVA advocates for barrier-free architecture including accessible housing and transportation and funds research and education to improve the quality of life and to search for a cure for spinal cord injury and disease. PVA also promotes Sports and Recreation initiatives to foster a lifetime of health and fitness through its programs for people with disabilities. In addition, PVA advocates for legislation to protect civil rights and create equal opportunity for all people--the American ideals for which PVA members fought. PVA is funded solely through private donations. Visit www.pva.org

Hosts of the Games

Alaska VA Healthcare System

The Alaska VA Healthcare System and Regional Office offer primary, specialty, and mental health outpatient care to veterans residing within a 586,400 square mile primary service area. The Alaska VA Healthcare System and Regional Office provides inpatient services to veterans in Alaska through a Joint Venture with the United States Air Force on nearby Elmendorf Air Force Base as well as through fee basis arrangements with community hospitals. A comprehensive Homeless Veteran Service is also located in Anchorage consisting of a Domiciliary Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program, Veterans Industries, PRRTP, HUD/VASH, and outreach.

Northwest Chapter of the Paralyzed Veterans of America

The Northwest Chapter of the Paralyzed Veterans of America (NWPVA) a member chapter of Paralyzed Veterans of America, was founded in 1977 and has grown to nearly 500 members in the Washington, Alaska and Montana areas. The Chapter Office is located in Burien, Washington.

NWPVA accomplishes it’s mission by coordinating efforts through programs that provide opportunities for health promotion, employment, sports, recreation, service and camaraderie for paralyzed veterans as well as increase public awareness about the attitudinal, physical and legal barriers that confront persons with disabilities in order to influence the removal of those barriers. NWPVA also advocates for and monitors the delivery of high quality and appropriate health care benefits and services for paralyzed veterans and cooperates with and seeks the support of other groups and individuals that share NWPVA’s objectives. NWPVA also hopes to educate the public about the past and present contributions from America’s veterans, as well as their current and ongoing needs. Visit www.NWPVA.org