Veterans from james a. Haley veterans’ hospital shine at national veterans wheelchair games | va tampa health care | veterans affairs

Veterans from James A. Haley Hospital made a significant impact at the 2024 National Wheelchair Games held in New Orleans, bringing home an impressive 54 medals. The event, which took place

from July 25 – 30, showcased the skill and resilience of Veterans from across the United States, and Veterans from the Tampa area were no exception. The National Veterans Wheelchair Games,

the largest annual wheelchair sports event in the world, saw participation from 529 athletes representing 48 states and various branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, including the Air Force,

Army, Marine Corps, National Guard and Navy. Seventy-seven Women Veterans. The competition featured 23 events, 11 of which were Paralympic sports, giving Veterans the opportunity to

demonstrate their athletic prowess and competitive spirit. “The National Veterans Wheelchair Games allows Veterans to meet new people, challenge themselves both physically and mentally, and

learn from others,” said Geoff Hopkins, supervisory recreation therapist. “Team Tampa really embraced that and gave it their all.” Participants from Tampa were among the standout performers

in this year’s games, securing a total of 54 medals, comprising 26 gold, 15 silver and 13 bronze. The wins were not limited to individual achievements. The rugby and softball teams won

second and third place, adding to the overall medal tally.  Coached by Alyssa Caselnova and Marian Leander, the athletes ranged in age from 31 to 67, with six novices competing for the first

time at the Games. Twelve participants were returning Veterans, and four were Women Veterans. The entire group of competitors displayed their athletic achievements and indomitable spirits,

showcasing the importance of adaptive sports in the rehabilitation process after severe injury. Overall, 610 gold, 361 silver and 275 bronze totaling in 1246 medals were awarded to Veterans.

As the competitors return home, they do so, not only with medals, but with the pride of representing their city and their personal journeys on the national stage. Their performance marks

the magnitude of what can be achieved with determination, teamwork and support from their families, health care practitioners and peers alike.