Volunteers ensure success at Veterans Wheelchair Games

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Matthew Bates
  • Defense Media Activity-San Antonio
SPOKANE, Wash. (AFNS) --  Disabled veterans of all ages and skill levels are competing in the 29th National Veterans Wheelchair Games here July 13 through 18, but while the athletes are earning the spotlight, the nearly 3,000 volunteers behind the scenes have worked to make sure every event runs smoothly. 

"These Wheelchair Games wouldn't be possible without the dedication of the volunteers," said retired Army Gen. Eric Shinseki, Department of Veterans Affairs secretary. "It is because of them this event is such a success." 

Just like the athletes, the volunteers come from all across the country; some to cheer on family members who are competing, others just to fulfill a desire to serve those who previously served them. 

But their differences aside, one thing the volunteers have in common is their desire to make the Wheelchair Games a great experience for the competitors. 

"This is just my way of giving a little back to people who've given so much," said Marsha Tarver, a first-time volunteer from Seattle. "My niece is in the Air Force, so I'll always have a special respect for veterans." 

The volunteers' work doesn't go unnoticed, either. 

"We don't call them volunteers, we call them family," said Tricia Labar, an Army veteran who has competed in the Wheelchair Games for the past 15 years. "We wouldn't be doing this event without them." 

And no matter if it's their first or tenth year at the Games, the volunteers always leave with a renewed respect for those competing. 

"It's very inspiring watching them," Ms. Tarver said. "These athletes push themselves to the limit and don't look at their disabilities as handicaps, but as obstacles to overcome." 

But just as amazed as the volunteers are at the spirit of the competitors, event organizers are just as impressed with the never-ending supply of volunteers. 

"They are definitely the backbone of these Games," said Matthew Allen, public affairs officer for the Spokane Veterans Affairs Medical Center. 

The National Veterans Wheelchair Games is an annual event that brings disabled veterans together to compete in a variety of sporting activities, ranging from basketball and rugby to bowling and weightlifting. The event is sponsored by the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Paralyzed Veterans of America. 

Each year, the games are held in a different city and draw competitors from across the United States, Puerto Rico and Great Britain.