National Veteran Wheelchair Games 2002

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by Julia Hollenbeck
© 2002

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Don Plunkett, NY City It opened with the city of New York carrying the United States Flag of America representing the catastrophic event of the collapse of the world trade centers. By one's, two's, and sometime three's, it took nearly an hour for over 545 American Veterans to roll out into the convention center's banquet room for the opening ceremonies of the National Veterans Wheelchair Games on July 9th, 2002.

They were the selected few of millions of Veterans from the United States, Great Britain, and Puerto Rico, rolling with power chairs, manual wheelchairs, and even someone using the aid of a walker on wheels. These were the men and woman selected by their Chapters of the Disabled American Veterans, and Paralyzed Veterans of America, to join the largest wheelchair games in the world, and last but not least, came the Torch carried by the State of Ohio, hosting this year's event.

The Color Guard An Army Color Guard stood at attention as the choir sang, people rose to their voices as they heard their own military anthem sung for their branch of service, and a deafening silence interrupted the applause. Eyes seldom dry filled the room, while the camera scanned the large area in the convention center at Cleveland.

America, America...The Veterans of each branch of service stood or listened from their wheelchairs to the music of their corps music. Spectators filled the overhead seating and earnestly watched the scene below; the drillmaster nervously checked and re-checked his uniform, his gloves, and his color guard, that stood behind him, waiting to bring the flags forward to the podium.

The NVWG Flame Lights dimmed, a spotlight fell upon the flags, and the color guard moved toward the camera with brisk steps that kept in time with one another, followed by Scottish Bagpipes and an additional sequence of marching. A faster pace, too quick for the camera to follow, while scanning the room for familiar faces of months and years past with favorites of Wheel Me On members, it fell at a distance and followed our American Flag.

An honor bestowed on Wheel Me On... through Mid-South Paralyzed Veterans of America, capturing the event was more than just an experience as the lens picked up on the Torch being carried to the podium for the lighting of the official caldron while solemn music filled the room. A thundering voice came over the loudspeaker, "Let the games begin!"; applause and cheers acknowledged the spirit.


Mid-South Chapter, Paralyzed Veterans of America


Coaches
Team Coaches

As Team Coaches, Melissa Camburn Cook, and Cindy Denny helped prepare the veteran athletes through out the year with training for each particular sport. Training included education about rules and regulations for the games, and how events functioned (categories, competition, expectations).

Additionally, brought into the program under coaching are physical conditioning, exercise, and mental approach.

In general, when attending as Team Coaches to any sporting event, they are responsible for the team during the entire event.

Melissa and Cindy are from the Memphis Veterans Administration Medical Center (VAMC), and work in Recreation Therapy in the Spinal Cord Unit. They have attended the Games since 1999. Serving as Team Coaches, (they) "are honored to have the opportunity to observe the therapeutic benefits of the events first hand."



Athletes from the Mid-South Chapter

Jackie Franklin Shane Dailey

Doug Moore Dorian Smothers Leroy Cage

Matthew Powell Johnny Jones

Terry Carr Lou Gaesswitz Rodrick Jordan

Chuck Collins Anthony Gilliam

Nursing & Medical Care

Typically, every team travels with at least one nurse for their chapter to assure medical care is provided should it become necessary. This task fell on the shoulders of Cynthia Hobson Skipper from the Nursing Staff at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Memphis, Tennessee (VAMC), which is the hub for spinal cord injuries in the four-state Chapter area.

Her responsibilities included providing immediate attention to any one of the twelve athletes, being available 24-hours a day, and remaining in-tune with all members.
Cynthia Hobson Skipper


July 9th, 2002

Day one was utilized for registering, volunteering, and retrieving information. It was a day spent in the convention center remembering faces, visiting with old friends and members, and later moving outside watching an exposition of basketball. The day was filled with camaraderie longer than the printed word. It was indeed, indescribable, to see Peggy and Pep Peppin from Florida after a two-year absence, Mike Wilson from New York, and Bonnie Sampsell, was better than a homecoming! The really neat thing about it was everyone looked absolutely fantastic!

Mike Wilson Peggy & Pep Bonnie Sampsell

Barry Muth and FamilySeeing Barry Muth, San Antonio Sub-Chapter, Texas Paralyzed Veterans Association, brought new meaning to the games when realizing the Muth family came to Cleveland with him. Thus it was, the entire week of NVWG 2002, awareness, education, being involved, and association with more faces that would effect everyone's life in the years ahead.

This was just the beginning of five days of sporting activities and meeting new people. The first stop was on the way back to the hotel, in the courtyard of the convention center, to catch a glimpse of exhibition basketball with a few enthusiastic players. Several members from Mid-South PVA were rolling and throwing in front of the camera. Unknown at the time, this was just the start of something, very special, and the greatest surprise was yet to come.

July 10th, 2002

Softball

David and Siro DeGasperis The second day started with a rush to catch the bus in front of the convention center to go to the City Municipal Parking Lot for the Softball event, whose sponsor was The DeGasperis Family Foundation out of Long Island, New York. David and his father, Siro DeGasperis, began covering the National Veteran Wheelchair Games in the city of Pittsburgh in 1998. Siro retired from United Parcel Service (UPS) and the foundation began supporting the softball event in 2001. The family of Siro DeGasperis was there in full force, starting the games with the sacred National Anthem and two young girls holding the American Flag.

Terrence GreenTerrence Green, Mid-South Chapter, PVA, was in the batter's box, at the far end of the parking lot, and ready to slug his first hit. It was a beautiful day for the "ball park", filled with antics galore from Bill Banks, #368, from Canoga Park, California, playing on the same "Brown" team. Repeated calls of "Let's hear some chatter out there!" commanded movement, and then the hurried rush for the ball. Terrence captivated the lens and Bill stole the show.

Softball was limiting from regular baseball in that the pitcher was only allowed to use underhand throws, and the only person allowed to wear a glove was the First Baseman. Teams consisted of eleven players.

The Brown team huddled in a small circle at the end of the first change and then the Green team was up to bat. The camera kept rolling, time lost to the excitement of watching a great sport played from wheelchairs. Winner unknown because that wasn't the point, and the fact was, there was a bus to catch to head for the bowling alley.

Note: Terrence Green is from Jackson, Mississippi, member of Mid-South PVA, and sported Athlete #461. He rolled out of the convention center on the last day with a Silver Medal for Softball, Class II, Open Division, and a Bronze Medal for Discus showing end results of 014.75 in the Class II Open Division.

Bowling

Rodrick Jordan A quick dash for the bus loaned a breather, before capturing Sane Dailey (#458), Matthew Powell (#541), Rodrick Jordan (#463, and Anthony Gilliam (#460), all from Mid-South PVA, at Palisades Bowl. Bonnie Sampsell (#110) from Eastern Paralyzed Veterans Association (EPVA) was also there bowling, and gave the lens an added boost to see her strength and capabilities increase during the past two years. Rod Jordan did not appear to be too pleased with his results in the Class III Novice Division, but there was more yet to come. Caught on video, there was only one photo for the site, but an excellent awareness tape would soon be in production with four great athletes.

Note: Johnny Jones (#462) later took a Gold Medal during Open Division, Class IV with end results of 323 in Manual Wheelchair Bowling, and Matthew Powell (#541) took a Bronze in Class III Novice.

Craig Shera, Shane Dailey, Matt PowellBack on the bus, the cameras headed for the Convention Center along with a few bowlers. Craig Shera from EPVA was in close-up mode, cracking a few jokes that got the attention of Shane Dailey and Matthew Powell, Mid-South PVA. Team Coaches Melissa Camburn Cook and Cindy Denney couldn't help but laugh at the antics, while the digital just kept clicking.

Cindy Denney & Melissa Camburn CookPart of the experience was to enjoy meeting new people, learning a little more about others already met, and enjoying each other's company. While most wheelchair users appear quiet and shy, it is amazing to realize just how out-going wheelers really are, so this was just one small example of introversion not being present.

The task of the Team Coaches was extremely prevalent for the benefit of the athletes. Each coach had the difficult task of being present at each and every activity, any one of the thirteen members were attending. Most often, they would split their schedules to attend functions that were running at the same time. Catching the two of them together at an event was an oddity, usually because there were several members at one function and other team members not participating at an event.

9 Ball

Jackie Franklin, (#459) National Director of Mid-South PVA, finally got caught back at the Convention Center shooting 9-Ball Pool. It was a joy to see the Granny Stick being used and gave great pleasure to the camera, for future reference to BM1 Musgraves who harassed this photographer into using the same a year ago. Of course, there were customary antics from Jackie that brought forth a little humor and the reminder of game spirit, but his opponent appeared to take the game a bit more seriously.

Note: Jackie Franklin, from Vina, Alabama, took a Gold Medal in the Class IV Masters Division of Air-Guns, as a Para with no assistance.

Air Rifle

Dorian Smothers Wheeling over to Air Rifle competition in the same convention center, the camera found a few interesting shots. Focused on Dorian Smothers (#464), from Memphis, Tennessee, it was interesting to capture the instruction providing information along with close-up footage and audio narration for a video.

A tripod held the barrel of the rifle eliminating the need for a lot of arm strength, and a hair-trigger was set for Dorian. Each marksman had an attendant standing next to the participant providing instructions, and loading single shots into the rifle.

This year noticing more woman involved with air rifle competition, the sport appeared to open up to curiosity, and more than an equal opportunity, which in fact, all events were available to male or female disabled veterans.

Note: By the end of the competition, Dorian Smothers of the Mid-South Chapter took home a Silver Medal for the Powerchair 220 Slalom event with a time of 1:05.78 minutes in Class 1A, Novice Division.

While having nothing at all to do with sports, an interesting event unfolded behind the scenes while an 18-wheeler UPS truck made several attempts of backing out of the underground level of the convention center where several people gathered to take a break from the noise of sport enthusiasts. At 110-inches high, carrying a 48-foot long trailer, witnesses watched in total amazement at the driver's capabilities to clear cement pillars, automobiles, and a narrow passage by maneuvering back and forth with a lot of heckling on the sidelines. A round of applause and loud yells of praise enveloped the air as the driver successfully made his back up, and pulled forward for the city street above. (What event was this, anyway?)

Basketball

Another active aggressive sport is Basketball, an event not fully covered with the extent of video taping in the past to any great advantage, but this night was different. There were two separate teams vying for the semi-finals: The Blue and Red Team, and the Black and Gray Team. Needless to say, the action on the court made it difficult to determine which would be the better to start with, because all four teams were outstanding. Arbitrary, the wheels headed for the Gray and Black team and grabbed Matthew Powell from Mid-South PVA to narrate the video.

The object of attending this event was to locate five members of the Mid-South Chapter of PVA: Terrence Green, Anthony Gilliam, Charles Collins, Louis Gaesswitz, and Doug Moore. The game moved in split-second action, finding Mid-South PVA members, Doug Moore (#15) on the Gray Team, Louis on the Black team, and Chuck Collins (#14) on the Blue Team in opposite courts. Chuck turned out to be one of the more aggressive players, as did Ken Mendeiros (#13) from Taunton, Massachusetts. It was sort of like hitting the jackpot, with several Mid-South members at the same competition, but the odds of keeping up with each of them very difficult.

The result provided videos narrated by both Matt Powell and Doug Moore, who slipped in during golden moments. The film provided several scenes of extraordinary athletes. On Friday, July 12th, Matt Powell narrated the semi-finals for the Blue and Gray team, who had won the first round of competition between the four teams.

Note: Chuck Collins wheeled off with a Gold Medal for Class III Open Division, and Doug Moore spinned around with a Bronze Medal for Class I, Open Division at the end of the completed competition.

July 11th, 2002

Power Soccer

Bonnie Sampsell, EPVAHeading for the Convention Center, Thursday morning brought a few surprises that were highlights for Wheel Me On... First, there was exhibition Power Soccer, a sport long waited for with many wheelers anxious to try it out. It was easy to get a little side-tracked while heading over to catch one of the Mid-South Team Members at another sport, when spotting two favorite members from EPVA, both trying to figure out how the Power Soccer Game was going to work. The sport was being practiced with power wheelchairs. Large white plastic protectors, attached to the front of the chairs, covered the feet and leg areas, and moved the ball that was nearly as large as the wheelchairs. It looked a little odd at first, but the golden rule of not being able to reverse and go backwards in a wheelchair, made the game a little more difficult once everything got rolling.

Slalom

Heavy thick chains laid in a wavy pattern on the floor over at the course for Manual Slalom, something the lens had not seen before, and captured a lot of curiosity. This was a favorite sport and one the camera would return to several times in the course of the remaining days.

Dorian Smothers, Mid-South PVADashing around in the Convention Center trying to locate Team Members of Mid-South before heading for the bus station, Slalom caught the lens of the camera and spotted Dorian Smothers attempting one of the courses in Motorized Slalom.




Table Tennis

Johnny Jones, Mid-South PVAThere was just enough time to find the tennis courts for a couple of quick shots of Johnny Jones with his son, Marcos, who was working pretty avidly at keeping his eyes on the balls, and retrieving them for the players.

Keeping in mind this was competition, and an easily distractible sport, the camera took a couple shots while zooming in, and then left, with flash backs from the games in 2000 at San Antonio, Texas bringing a flood of old memories forward when seeing several children helping the athletes.

Note: Johnny Jones pulled a Bronze Medal with Table Tennis, Class IV, Open Division, and Matt Powell whipped out a Gold Medal as a Novice in Class IC.

Trap Shooting

First Range of FourThe bus ride over to the Trap Range was interesting, allowing just a slight delay, but most people were having so much fun visiting, it did not seem to be too big a deal. The camera wanted to score with Shane Dailey, who was attending his second year with NVWG, and the photographer was as anxious as everyone else to get out to the range, and feel the spirit of a sport left years behind.

Shane did remarkably well during his first trap setting, popping the flying pigeon clays, and splattering them all over the place. Five positions were at each trap range, the marksmen moving up one slot after a round of five shots, providing twenty-five shots at each of the four ranges. The more the camera followed Shane; the more jealous the photographer became. For some reason, shooting the camera was not quite the same as shooting a shotgun.

Julia HollenbeckMoving over to the second range, Shane was slowing down just slightly. From a distance, it appeared he was either losing perspective or just not concentrating. This young man was too good a shot to start missing the birds now, and it brought vivid memories of sons following their father's commands, "Raise the gun, aim, shoot"!

It also reminded the photographer of her weird dominant left-eye. Of course, Bob Hartman of FieldandClays, sneaked up in back of the photographer, and shot her. Click on the photo to see what he did next!

Seeing Shane raise his arm and smile, was reason to believe he was going to go all-the-way.

By the time Shane Dailey reached his halfway point, he was starting to loose it, missing more than he should have been. It was hot in the sun, late in the afternoon, and not good for anyone sitting in a wheelchair. Two other marksmen had already dropped from the field, leaving only three shooting by the time Shane hit the final range, and his last twenty-five shots to make a hundred. This young man was determined, though obviously tired and hot.

Thirty-year old Shane Dailey was a few years younger than son BM1 David Musgraves. He started shooting two years ago with a 12-guage over and under Remington, averaging about 60-percent on a range near his home in Camden, Alabama.

Shane served in the United States Coast Guard for one and a half years, stationed in Portsmouth, Virginia, before his accident. When learning this bit of history behind Shane Dailey, it was suddenly small wonder why "karma" took immediate interest in Shane Dailey.


Note: Shane Dailey entered six events at NVWG 2002. He earned a Silver Medal for Discus in Class III, Open Division.

Marie HenryReturning to a cooler location back at the Convention Center, the camera caught up with several friends... all smiling with medals draped around their necks! Marie Henry, Gulf Coast Chapter, PVA, from Plant City, Florida, was giggling so hard with her win at Slalom, it was difficult to focus the camera.

She ended up rolling out on the last day with five Gold Medals, all in Class III, Open Divisions: Motorized Rally, Bowling, Motorized Slamon, Discus, and Air Guns. Unbelievable!

Mike WilsonMike Wilson, EPVA, drove out from Springville, New York, and looked too sharp in the new helmet... He took two Gold Medals and a Silver Medal back home with him. Not too shabby with three out of five! Mike entered Class 1B, Open Division with a Gold for Motorized Slalom and Powerchair, and a Silver for Bowling - Handleball. He claimed he would drive to California next year for NVWG!

Eugene Gold Catching up with Eugene Gold from Wailua, Hawaii, was a return to roots when he flashed a "hang-ten" at the camera. Faithful to "Hawaii Nei Ohana", he was anxious to talk-story and share goodies after months of not seeing one another.

Learning there were now 1.3 million people on Oahu, provided enough reason to keep the soil under wheels in Tennessee.

It was Eugene's 16th year with NVWG. He was living up to his name, ending with two gold medals and a bronze, respectfully in Table Tennis, Archery, and 9-Ball.




July 12th, 2002

Field Events

Wayne MillerFriday morning turned out to be one of the more exciting days while sitting on the bus heading for Field Events that included Discus, Shot Put, Javelin, and an exhibition of Cross Bow. Unbeknown without instant memory recall, a long-time Wheel Me On... Member and supporter seated on the right of the bus, was paid little attention to, as cameras rolled in next to him.

With absolutely no acknowledgment of recognition, clowning around with other wheelers proceeded for several minutes, before turning and looking at the gentleman. ("Do I know you?" ~ "You should", he answered.)

Seated immediately alongside was Wayne Miller, who entertained members attending the Wheel Me On... "Caravan for Disability Awareness 2001" program in Washington, DC, with his wonderful voice. Truly, a face never to be forgot, and words he could put magical rhythm to, with or without a little music.

Ronald McOwenOnce out on the field, there was enough action to keep a person busy for hours. Several pits had been set-up for the events, while eyes scanned the area for Mid-South PVA members; it was not real difficult to bump into Ronald McOwen from Bakersfield, California. He entered as a novice in five events, wrapping four medals around his neck in the end. Novice or not, this man might be someone to keep an eye on in the future.

Javelin

Terry CarrTerry Carr from Fayetteville, Arkansas, (Mid-South PVA), was getting ready to throw at the Javelin site by the time the lens found him.

Terry entered five competitions, all in the Masters Division, and two of them field events. His big win took a Gold Medal during the Air Guns.

Moving right along, Matthew Powell, from Charleston, Arkansas, (a member of Mid-South PVA), was found at a Novice Javelin Pit.

Sad for the cameras, because he got hung-up making his mount and the lens were not ready. None-the-less, an interview later proved rather interesting, and his sense of humor a real benefit.

Matthew PowellMatthew Powell entered four events and took home a medal for each one as a Novice: Two Gold, a Bronze, and Silver. Wow... Some novice!

With high interest in the Field Events, the digital camera did not appear early on, but the camcorder was rolling. Athletes attending the field events all had three chances at their best shot. This rule applied to each of the three field events.

Unfortunately, the idea of making the tip of the javelin stick in the ground was pretty difficult if not impossible, because the earth was as hard as a rock, and dry from lack of rain.



Discus & Shot Put

Next up was Terrence Green who was attempting all three Field Events in Class II, Open Division. With him was Cindy Denny, the Mid-South Team Coach. Watching in silence from a short distance away, his mount onto the Throw Chair was fascinating. Cindy was obviously concerned about Green; all precautions met to provide not just for the comfort of his throws, but also the safety of his being. He was able to throw Discus and Shot Put from the same arena, and avoid dismounting, and remounting, at another location.

Hearing the conversation between Athlete and Coach was interesting in itself. Terrence wanted the waist belt tighter; the coach pulled the strap. Then he wanted it tighter again, and she pulled it some more. After about the third time of his request, she gave it a good yank, satisfying both Coach and Athlete. The effort of the two of them earned Terrance Green a score for a Bronze Medal in Discus at the end of his competition.

Track

LeRoy CageWheels rolled back onto the bus and headed for the track where Leroy Cage from Eads, Tennessee, (Mid-South PVA), entered both the 100 Meter and 200 Meter events in Class IV, Masters Division. He ended up wheeling out with two Bronze Medals following some tough competition.

John Martin from the San Diego, PVA Chapter in California was competing in an Invacare Top End Track Chair, with the 400 and 1500 Meter heats. He placed second. Relaxing on scorching hot pavement next to him was Joe Miller, from the Lonestar Chapter of TPVA, in Texas. He was running in the 5000 Meter race, with a Soaring Eagle Track Chair that pulled him a Silver Medal.

Special friend Pat Sapp, also a Texas buddy, was having too much fun, and it seemed a little odd seeing him on a racetrack, instead of in a sledge hockey arena. None-the-less, his laughter and up-beat attitude brought a few grins from several racers.

Pat Sapp

Filming was at best, very difficult as it appeared being a wheelchair photographer was misleading to the officials who did not want these wheels to cross the track, as photographers on foot did. Later, winning a position on the "good" side, only to discover how hot the pavement was being a few feet shorter, and closer to the ground, did not help the situation. In the arena with the racers, it was easy to sympathize, because they were even closer to the hot asphalt. Photography results of racers looking spiffy on their wheels made the day before heading back to the hotel; baked.

July 13th, 2002

Archery

An absolute gorgeous day for the archery range, which was used for field events the day before. First thoughts were to count the targets, but that idea was quickly forgot, when archers began taking their places at numbered spots, that matched targets across the field from them.

It seemed like a good idea to photograph someone's case laying open with arrows neatly lined up. Archery was apparently a favorite with the Mid-South PVA Chapter having five of their athletes on the field. Finding all of them was another story, but luckily, there were three in a row.

Anthony Gilliam was at Target 24, Johnny Jones at Target 25, and Rodrick Jordan at Target 26. Perfect, except for not finding Shane Dailey or Charles Collins. Even a ride down to the very end of the lineup later on did not produce them, but then, that did not mean they were not there. It just meant that the memory had lost the file again. Furthermore, the results proved they were there.

The three athletes the camera did find, were all shooting in Archery Para with a Compound Bow, but all in a different class, or division, which made it a little interesting without pressure in the end, when the scores counted.

Anthony Gilliam was in a Class III, Open Division; Johnny Jones in Class IV, Open Division; and Rodrick Jordan in Class III, Novice Division. Someplace else, Shane Dailey was also in a Class III, Open Division, and Charles Collins, Class V, Open Division.

Johnny Jones Rodrick Jordan Anthony Gilliam

The camera kept setting the lens on Rodrick Jordan and as the event began, it was another small wonder while he sank the arrows in his target consistently. During the breaks, Rodrick Jordan frequently shared his thoughts and it became apparent a gold was probably going around his neck.

Six arrows were shot at the target and then retrieved by volunteers, truly an amazing sight to see hundreds of people march out on the field, often searching the ground on their hands and knees looking for misplaced arrows that didn't hit targets. (Hey, these arrows are expensive!)

The event did not end until each Archer shot a series of twelve rounds, (if memory is still working).

Johnny Jones Especially enjoyed were the candid shots that piqued a little more interest. At the end of the event, there was no doubt upon hearing the scores of the Mid-South PVA Members. All three earned Gold Medals, and so did Charles Collins!

Arnold BeardFavorite quote heard during the week came from Arnold Beard who was shooting at the end of the line-up. (Or maybe it was the first?)

Arnold was a friend from Aspen and the DAV Winter Ski Clinic who sat at the same table during the closing ceremonies. Regarding, "I'm so sorry"; the quote:


"Too many sorry people in the world today."




Crossbow Exhibition

During the archery event, there was time to sneak over to check out another exhibition hoping to make the National Veteran Wheelchair Games in the future. Gary Grubbe was receiving pointers and checking out the equipment when the cameras rolled up.

After watching Gary's first round of six solid hits, there was a strange feeling someone was kidding someone. Either this was just too easy, or Gary was a heck of a good shot!

Geoff Bair was a staff shooter for Ten Point Crossbow Technologies, and made the sport rather interesting while explaining equipment, rules, and shooting techniques.

The lens got a glimpse of Curt Breamer, Photographer, PN Magazine, heading out for his own location, which later developed into a shooting match between photographers.

The game impostors were positioned at 200 and 400 yards. Even so, Gary managed to make 11 solid hits out of 12, the later skipping dead-center below the belly and screaming out into the field.

It was interesting to learn this was Gary's first year at the games. He rolled back to Marlette, Michigan with two Gold Medals, both in Class III, Novice, with Table Tennis (II, III) and Air Guns Para (with assistance). Not too shabby for his first time!

When Greg Shera, EPVA, rolled up to try out Crossbow Shooting, the battle of the cameras began with a few grins of humor, then too soon, it was time to head for the bus, and back to the hotel.

The Annual Event of the National Veterans Wheelchair Games is more than a sporting activity. Through association, the opportunity to meet other people is continuously present, with it comes the thrill of competition whether actively participating or not, impressions left of wheels in front of you, and the ever-present ability to share both the serious side of winning, and the humor involved with living.

Most people involved with the events have a willingness to, "Don't sweat the small stuff", and a desire to meet the challenge.

Branch of service, rank, disability all seem to evolve into a single word called, "participate". Though most people participated within their chapters, Chapters merged into a huge mass of people, and only the curiosity of wondering where someone lived, brought forth the subject for proximity.

Leonard Abernathey, Montana

End Results ~ Mid-South Chapter, Paralyzed Veterans of America

The Sports Director, Jackie Franklin, of Mid-South PVA reported 13 athletes attended NVWG 2002, of which five were from Arkansas, four from Alabama, one from Mississippi, and three from Tennessee. This team of athletes rolled back home with a total of 26 medals: Eleven Gold, Seven Silver, and eight Bronze. This is an average of two medals per person ~ think about it!


Mid-South Paralyzed Veterans of America
Memphis VAMC
1030 Jefferson Avenue, Room 2D100, Memphis, TN
Memphis Office: 901-527-3018; 800-767-3018

Nashville Office: 615-736-7713/14; 800-795-3569
Alabama Office: 334-213-3433/34/35; 800-795-3581
Mississippi Office: 601-364-7188; 800-795-3610
"Support the PVA ~ They Supported Us!"


David and Mary Lou Fowler, TPVA It was following the games of competition and exhibitions when the reality of hundreds upon hundreds of people stuck home; heightening the camaraderie once again, between the veterans and non-veterans alike; this was simply called "American".

While this was an event carefully planned and orchestrated between the Disabled Veterans of America, and the Paralyzed Veterans of America, there were thousands upon thousands of every-day citizens participating with the event as volunteers. Still, the fact was, this was an event for the veterans, many of who were associates and members of Wheel Me On..., and many who were friends.



One Last Shot

The wheels took the cameras back and forth to separate basketball courts at the Euclid Sportsplant, avidly watching four teams, learning how to follow the ball instead of the people. It was an interesting experience, though a painful process to position for entire sequences without stopping, yet the thrill of the sport was compelling. On the far right court, the blue team played against the red team, and in a separate court, the black team played against the gray team.

There were five Mid-South athletes involved in the games: Anthony Gilliam, Terrence Green, Chuck Collins, Louis Gaesswitz, and Doug Moore. Many athletes attended the event to watch their comrades and Matt Powell was a good catch for a narator, along with Doug Moore before his game started. All of the athletes were aggressive players, but eyes could not help but follow both Chuck Collins and teammate number 13 on the blue team. Wheeling back and forth between the two courts while attempting to keep up with the four teams was an experience in itself. Seeing number 13 falling out of his wheelchair and getting his fingers run over was enough to have one's breath taken away.

The semi-finals two nights later brought an unexpected maneuver in the game, when suddenly three athletes came straight toward the photographer. The two outside wheelchair athletes split away in left and right directions at about ten-feet in distance, leaving the man in the middle heading straight for the power wheelchair and the photographer. Captivated by the sport, while sitting on the sideline quite near to the courts boundary line watching the Blue and Red Teams, movement of manual wheelchairs on each side of the camera moving backwards was only sensed. Too engrossed to notice the action heading straight toward the photographer, she nonchalantly turned her head from the viewfinder, leaving the lens fixed at the far end of the court.

The photographer met eye contact with the athlete, and both suddenly displayed expressions of shock with the reality of potential collision. The athlete reacted in split second moves, heaved himself out of the wheelchair at less than six-feet away, forced the wheelchair to spin in an opposite direction, and went flying to the floor at the front wheels of the power chair holding the cameras. His head turned away from view as he sprawled horizontally in front of her, he lifted his head in slow-motion, turning to look at her with an expression of relief on his face. "Thank you", were the only words that came, spoken softly, but quite clearly from the woman with the camera.

The sequence of the event missed on camera film, but witnessed by hundreds of on-lookers watching the game. Determination to meet the athlete following the game to personally thank him for literally sparing a life was inevitable. There would be no memory prohibiting recall to his reaction during a crucial moment of deliberately avoiding to hit a person.

Ken Medeiros, from Taunton, Massachusetts, rolled out of the Euclid Sportsplant where the gymnasium held the basketball games. The photographer deliberately waited outside. "You saved my life", she calmly stated, as he came down the ramp. He laughed at her words. "Thank you, I really mean it. Thank you", she said, before parting for separate buses that would take them back to the Convention Center.

Ken Medeious was one of the more aggressive players seen, one that rolled with the punches, and went back for more, uncomplaining. Falling or flying out of his wheelchair several times during the game, and crawling back up to the seat. At one point in the second half of the game, one of the wheels flew off his chair.

It was not until the final day of events, during the Closing Ceremonies, when everything began to fall into place. Hearing Ken Medeiros' name as the recipient of the Gold Cup for the Spirit of the Games, to the photographer, it was of small wonder having seen his remarkable sportsmanship during several events, the happening at Euclid Sportsplant, and the camera consistently unaware of catching glimpses of him throughout the week.

The camcorder followed his approach to the podium during the Closing Ceremonies for him to receive his award with the assistance of a fellow comrade. People leaped out to congratulate him during his slow trek down the aisle, and Curt Beamer, photographer for Paraplegic News (PN Magazine), approached the photographer to help give her advantage points for filming from a wheelchair.

Later that evening following the Closing Ceremonies, people gathered at the hotel, among them were several waiting for Ken Medeiros. Opportunity arrived to again thank him, but he shrugged it off and laughed. "No, I'm serious, Ken', this photographer said, 'you really did save my life. There is a plate at C5, 6 and 7 in my neck. The power to my wheelchair was turned off for safety."

This is not to say the basketball event had anything to do with The Spirit of the Games, but rather provide an inside happening to enlighten others of team spirit, awareness of athletes, and an actual occurance that took place with a true winner. The only question left is, "Who said the number 13 was an unlucky number?"

Ken Medeious did leave for Massachusetes with a Gold Medal for Basketball, Class III, Masters Division, and a Bronze Medal for Table Tennis, Class V, Masters Division.



Congratulations Ken Medeious!

The 23rd National Veterans Wheelchair Games 2003 will be held in Long Beach, California

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