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12/16/03 National Veterans Wheelchair Games head t

NEWS RELEASE

Anchorage, Alaska – (Dec. 16, 2003)

National Veterans Wheelchair Games head to the Last Frontier in 2006

U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Anthony J. Prinicpi, recently announced 2006 Veterans Wheelchair Games will be held in Anchorage, Alaska, July 2 – 8, 2006. The largest annual wheelchair event in the world will have an estimated economic impact of $839,530 to Anchorage with more than 1,000 athletes and delegates.

“We are thrilled to be taking this event to Alaska in 2006, giving our nation’s veterans an opportunity to compete in a place that many of them never dreamed of visiting,” said Principi.

The Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACVB) has been working with the Alaska Disabled Veterans Sports Program Inc., for more than two years to bring the Games to Anchorage.

Anchorage was chosen as the host city because of local world-class facilities and venues, overwhelming community support and a location that offers unique pre- and post-tour opportunities.

In 2001, Anchorage hosted the Special Olympics World Games, the largest sporting event in Alaska history. The 2001 World Games laid the foundation for Anchorage to host top-notch events. Many of the programs put into place will be used for the 2006 Veterans Wheelchair Games.

The Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau’s mission is to attract and serve visitors to the Municipality of Anchorage. ACVB’s marketing functions are funded by half of the bed tax collected by hotels. The other half goes to the Municipality’s general fund. ACVB receives no state or federal funds. For more information, see www.anchorage.net.

Contacts:

Erika Siegel, Public Relations Manager
(907) 257-2331
esiegel@anchorage.net
Explore www.anchorage.net

Nance Larsen, Director of Communications
(907) 257-2310
nlarsen@anchorage.net
Explore www.anchorage.net