Birmingham va health care system veteran competes in 40th national veterans wheelchair games | va birmingham health care | veterans affairs

Army Veteran and Birmingham native, WD Foster, participated in the 40th National Veterans Wheelchair Games that took place in New York City Aug. 7-14, 2021. This is Foster’s third time

competing in the NVWG since being introduced to the event. The NVWG is the world’s largest annual wheelchair sporting events solely for disabled military Veterans. Over the years, thousands

of Veterans with disabilities have gained the skills, confidence, and experience to take on challenges as an opportunity instead of as a limitation. “I’m very competitive and I love team

sports,” said Foster. “The games gave me the opportunity to compete and meet other paralyzed Veterans from all over the country.” Foster competed in powerlifting, basketball, disc golf,

boccia, and adaptive fitness. He came home with the gold in powerlifting, gold in adaptive fitness, tied for gold in disc golf, silver in basketball, and bronze in boccia. “The games have

positively impacted my life by keeping me active,” said Foster. “I really enjoy being involved in it.”  In 2007, Foster suffered a spinal cord injury during a physical training assessment

while getting ready for his third deployment. After his injuries and retirement from the military, Foster began receiving care at the Birmingham VA Health Care System. “I’ve been really

pleased with the Birmingham VA,” said Foster. “They have gone above and beyond for me in several different ways, and I’ve had many of positive experiences.” BVAHCS strives for excellence to

provide the highest quality of care to Veterans in all areas of their health and is proud of one of our Veterans that competed in the Wheelchair Games.