GAMES WITH HEART— A MILE HIGH MINUTE

The first of many parties celebrating the 2010 Games was held on Thursday, March 27, 2008 in the auditorium at the VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System (VA ECHCS). This Kick-off party was an opportunity for the Mountain States Chapter of the Paralyzed Veterans of American (MSC PVA) and the VAECHCS to celebrate Denver’s selection to host this annual event marking its 30th year. Mountain States Chapter leaders Mark Shepherd, Wayne Field, David Spotts, and Gabe Diaz DeLeon had an opportunity to share their Games stories with the audience. Additional speakers included Denver Nuggets Ambassadors Mark Randall and Ervin Johnson. Mascot “Dinger” from the Colorado Rockies also made an energetic appearance and really engaged the crowd as he wheeled across the room and posed for photos.

In addition to the estimated 400 people in attendance, Diane Hartmann, VA’s Director of National Programs & Special Events; Tom Brown, VA National Director for the Wheelchair Games, Doug Beckley; PVA Associate Director for Sports and Recreation; Kim Byers, Public Affairs Director for VA National Programs; and Judith Stutts, Administrative Officer for the National Veterans Wheelchair Games, all flew into Denver to celebrate this special occasion.

On April 14, 2008, members from the NVWG Steering Committee will spend the afternoon at the Chapter Office with MSCPVA in a brainstorming roundtable session. This will be a great opportunity for the membership to provide suggestions, ideas and thoughts about the 2010 Games. In May, staff from VA ECHCS and MSC PVA will travel to Omaha, Neb., 2008’s host city, to attend a site visit. These trips allow local VA and PVA staff to learn more about the planning process and the many steps required to prepare for the Games, with a goal to put on the best event possible.

2008 will continue to bring exciting events for both the Chapter as well as VA ECHCS. Events will be posted on the Chapter’s Web site in addition to the quarterly updates in Scoop. For additional information about sponsorship or volunteer opportunities for the 30th National Veterans Wheelchair Games, please contact Amanda Eckman at (720) 201-0455; or via e-mail at amanda.eckman@va.gov.