WASHINGTON D.C. (June 28, 2016) — National Veterans Wheelchair Games (NVWG) co-hosts, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Paralyzed Veterans of America (Paralyzed Veterans), are proud to recognize Toyota as a National Host sponsor of the 36^th National Veterans Wheelchair Games. Toyota will also be providing a fleet of complimentary vehicles wrapped and branded with Toyota and NVWG logos for official staff use throughout the week. More than 600 veterans are expected to compete in this year’s Games, which begin today in Salt Lake City with Opening Ceremonies, and continue through July 2.
 
“We are honored to sponsor the 36^th National Veterans Wheelchair Games and celebrate the brave men and women who have served their country in the name of freedom,” said Simon Nagata, executive vice president and chief administrative officer, Toyota Motor North America, Inc.  “As we transition from a car company to a mobility company, we are looking beyond the automotive space to address the needs of all people, including the disabled community, older people and others.”
 
“Toyota’s is very excited and proud to be expanding our commitment to serve as the National Host Sponsor for the NVWG,” said Mark Oldenburg, Toyota national fleet operations manager.   “In addition to providing a complimentary fleet of staff vehicles for the Games, Toyota will also be donating a wheelchair-accessible Toyota Sienna van to the Paralyzed Veterans of America for use at their headquarters in Washington D.C.”
 
This year marks the 17th year that Toyota will sponsor the National Veterans Wheelchair Games—the largest annual wheelchair multi-sports event in the world, now in its 36^th year. Toyota serves as one of the event host sponsors for table tennis and track. Toyota will also serve as sponsor of the National Veterans Wheelchair Games Wall of Appreciation. The Wall of Appreciation is a large message board on display during the entire week of the Games where Veteran athletes, family members, volunteers and anyone passing through are invited to handwrite a message of thanks and support to the athletes.
 
“Each year hundreds of veterans with disabilities benefit from their participation in the National Veterans Wheelchair Games,” said Paralyzed Veterans’ National President Al Kovach, Jr., who will be competing in air rifles, boccia ball and nine ball at the 36^th Games. “Great partnerships are what make the Games a success. And Toyota has proven to be a great partner over the last 17 years that they’ve supported this important rehabilitative event for our nation’s disabled veterans.”
 
The National Veterans Wheelchair Games, presented annually by Paralyzed Veterans and VA, are open to all U.S. military veterans who use wheelchairs for sports competition as a result of spinal cord injury, certain neurological conditions, amputations or other mobility impairments, and who receive care at VA medical facilities or military treatment centers.
 
“The National Veterans Wheelchair Games represents VA’s significant commitment to the rehabilitation and health of our nation’s veterans by empowering them to live more healthy and active lives through sports and recreation. The partnership with our co-presenter, Paralyzed Veterans of America, and our sponsors, enables us to reach out and support more of our nation’s heroes,” said David Tostenrude, Director of the National Veterans Wheelchair Games.”
 
Veterans at the National Veterans Wheelchair Games will compete in 19 events: air pistol, air rifle, archery, basketball, boccia, bowling, field, handcycling, a motorized wheelchair rally, nine ball, power soccer, quad rugby, slalom, softball, swimming, table tennis, track, trapshooting,  and weightlifting. This year’s Wheelchair Games will also feature a bobsled exhibition and triathlon exhibition. Athletes compete in all events against others with similar athletic ability, competitive experience or age.
 
For more information about the 36th National Veterans Wheelchair Games, please visit www.wheelchairgames.org.