By K. Lavery, KWMU
St. Louis, Mo. – About 600 disabled athletes will compete in more than a dozen sporting events in St. Louis next year, when the city hosts the 24th National Veterans Wheelchair Games in June 2004.
The games will feature disabled veterans of all US military branches, competing in such events as kayaking and martial arts.
Bob Huskey is president of the Gateway Chapter of the Paralyzed Veterans of America. He says the games not only raise awareness of disabled veterans, but also highlight their capabilities:
"It's amazing sometimes when you see the track and field events, or bowling, or swimming how very well these people compete," he said. "And able-bodied people who do compete with them sometimes lose!"
The privately funded event is expected to draw 2,000 visitors to St. Louis next year.