News Release
Volunteers Needed for National Veterans Wheelchair Games
ANCHORAGE, AK - January 23, 2006 - The Local Organizing Committee (LOC) for the 26th National Veterans Wheelchair Games (NVWG) is recruiting 2,000 volunteer Alaskans to help prepare for events and coordinate logistics for the NVWG, which will take place in Anchorage from July 3-8, 2006. The NVWG are expected to attract more than 500 athletes to compete in 15 Olympic-type sporting competitions. Volunteers will be needed June 28 to July 9. Applications are now being accepted.
“Committed volunteers will be key to giving veteran athletes a warm welcome and a great experience while competing in Alaska,” said Scott Kelter, Department of Veterans Affairs Coordinating Director for the Games.
Volunteers are needed for a variety of jobs from food service, to transportation, site setup, scoring, timing, registration, photography and water distribution. Those who commit to a minimum shift requirement will receive a free volunteer T-shirt. Light meals and snacks will be provided to anyone who works more than a four-hour shift in a day. Volunteers must be available to attend three mandatory training sessions including a general orientation in March, job-specific training in April or May and a venue walk through in June. Individuals who have volunteered at past national events in Anchorage, such as the 2001 Special Olympics World Winter Games, the World Mountain Running Championships and Chevy U.S. Alpine Ski competition, are especially encouraged to participate, although previous volunteer experience is not required.
Events will take place at the Egan Center, Sullivan Arena, Bartlett High School, Delaney Park Strip, Cellular One Sports Center and other venues. Competitive events include archery, swimming, table tennis, weightlifting, air guns, basketball, softball, quad rugby, bowling, handcycling, wheelchair slalom, power soccer, a motorized wheelchair rally and track and field.
To download a volunteer application, visit www.wheelchairgamesanchorage.net. To request additional information, send an email to volunteers@alaskadestinations.com or call (907) 276-5550. For more details, visit the national Games web site at www.wheelchairgames.org.
The 26th National Veterans Wheelchair Games are open to all U.S. military veterans who use wheelchairs for sports competition due to spinal cord injuries, certain neurological conditions, amputations or other mobility impairments. Athletes compete against others with similar athletic ability, competitive experience or age. The Games are sponsored by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA). The 2006 Games are hosted by the Alaska VA Healthcare System and the Northwest Chapter of PVA.
Media Contacts:
Marcia Hoffman-DeVoe
Public Relations Manager
Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau
marcia.hoffman-devoe@med.va.gov
(907) 257-5490
(907) 301-4160 cell
Nance Larsen, APR
Vice President, Communications & Marketing Programs
Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau
nlarsen@anchorage.net
(907) 276-4118 direct
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About VA: A Cabinet-level department, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is a world leader in rehabilitation, with comprehensive recreation therapy programs at its medical facilities. Celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, VA provides excellence in patient care, veterans benefits, memorial programs and customer satisfaction. VA employees continue to offer their dedication and commitment to helping veterans get the services they have earned. To learn more about VA programs and benefits, visit VA's Web site at www.va.gov.
About PVA: Founded in 1946, Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) this year celebrates its 60th anniversary. During the past six decades, PVA has helped paralyzed veterans attain the benefits they earned and provided these veterans with the programs and services to improve their quality of life. PVA is a dynamic, broad-based organization with more than 21,000 members in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. To learn more about PVA, visit its Web site at www.pva.org.
