 The 44th Annual National Veterans Wheelchair Games, the largest adaptive sports and rehabilitation event designed exclusively for U.S. military Veterans with disabilities, was held in July in Minneapolis.
The Minneapolis VA has proudly hosted the event for the fist time since 2005. The Games are co-presented by U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Paralyzed Veterans of America.
This year there were 537 athletes from 48 states and territories who competed in over 20 games. The Minnesota team was one of the biggest teams, with 45 athletes competing. Photos from the Games can be found at VA Flickr and PVA Flickr.
This unique annual program showcases the therapeutic advantages of sports and fitness for Veterans using wheelchairs. The Games inspire Veterans to live more healthy and independent lives through adaptive sports. The Games also seek to foster wider respect and opportunities for all people with disabilities.
The National Veterans Wheelchair Games are open to all U.S. Veterans with spinal cord injuries, amputations, multiple sclerosis, or other central neurological conditions who require a wheelchair for athletic competition.
The Wheelchair Games are one of six national events put on by the VA. Want to get involved in a national event? The Minneapolis VA Recreation & Creative Arts Therapy team is now accepting artwork, creative writing, and performing arts entries for the Veterans Creative Arts Competition. Winners will advance to the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival next spring.
Athletes from the Minnesota Team made quite the impression during the parade of athletes at the Opening Ceremony on July 17, 2025.
Athlete Mark Stulz (left), of Victoria, credits his recreational therapist with getting him involved with the Wheelchair Games. "She has helped me out tremendously and got me not only in the cycling but in other things, too," says Stulz in an interview with Minnesota Now. ...read more
 Athlete Bruce Henderson (right), of Lino Lakes, caught a ton of fish in the bass tournament, but came up a half-pound short for third place. Overall he came out a winner … medaling gold in air rifle and silver in bowling.
 Minneapolis VA Director Pat Kelly, welcomed athletes during the Opening Ceremony. In a note to all staff after the Games he said, "By all accounts, the Games were an unmatched success. I heard this from Veterans, from senior VA and PVA leaders in attendance and from many of you. I don’t want to get crazy, but your efforts were described as the best ever, and I believe that."
 Athlete Ken Brookins, of Osceola, Wis., took on the challenging slalom course again this year. Minnesota Public Radio watched his competition and interviewed immediately after his race. ...read more
 Christina Baurichter of Mondovi, Wis., and Sandi Braunstein of Grand Rapids collected their medals on stage. In an interview with KSTP about the Games, Sandi said, "it's something special you've got to experience. ...read more
 Karl Olson, of St. Paul, tried out this year’s exhibition game – axe throwing. He shared his thoughts on the new event with MPR. ...read more
 Athlete Tim Valentin, of Belle Plaine, serves as the legislative director and vice president for the PVA Minnesota Chapter. He said the Wheelchair Games get him out of his shell.
 Hank Ebert, of Brainerd, ended the Games as a gold medalist in archery and trap shooting, and a silver medalist in shot put, javelin, discus, air rifle and swimming. Unfortunately he and his partner were eliminated in round two of cornhole.
 Rob York, a Woodbury-native, is a multi-sport athlete and has been participating in the Games for a decade. Listen to his interview with MPR ...read more
 Over 2,000 volunteers worked nearly 4,000 volunteer shifts during Wheelchair Games. Minneapolis VA staff came out in droves, many with their families. Pictured here is Stacy Tepper, a social work executive at the medical center, and her children visiting with athletes in their down time.
 PVA Minnesota Chapter past president Todd Kremey, of Shakopee, and current president Seth Thomas, of Brook Park, teamed up as partners in cornhole.
 Kevin Gerdes, a retired Army Brig. Gen. and Barret Chrissis brought the music of Prairie Beats to Athletes Village. They were one of nearly ten local music groups to perform. Entertainment also included several local sports mascots and a visit by Paul Bunyan.
Upcoming Events
New patient orientation (virtual) Wed. July 9, 2025, 4 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
2025 Veterans Creative Arts competition submission now through Aug. 15. Art drop-off dates: Saturday, August 9th from 9-11am; Tuesday, August 12th from 1-3pm.
Veteran Pop-Up Food Pantry Tue. Aug 19, 2025, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Minneapolis VA Senior Wills Clinic Aug 20, 2025, 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Military Appreciation Day at the Minnesota State Fair. Aug. 26, 2025, 8 a.m. – 4 pm.
Visit our website for upcoming events at Events | VA Minneapolis Health Care | Veterans Affairs
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