Paralyzed Veterans of America and the Department of Veterans Affairs Recognize UPS as a National Host Sponsor of 35th National Veterans Wheelchair Games

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Paralyzed Veterans of America and the Department of Veterans Affairs are proud to recognize The UPS Foundation as one of the National Host Sponsors for the 35^th National Veterans Wheelchair Games. The UPS Foundation, based in Atlanta, has been a supporter of the Games since 1986. Once the 35^th National Veterans Wheelchair Games conclude, nearly 500 UPS employees would have provided logistical support behind the scenes, at the airport, as well as at the sporting events. More than 600 veterans are expected to compete in this year's Games, scheduled for June 21-26 in Dallas, Texas.

"UPS has been an integral part of making the National Veterans Wheelchair Games a success each year," said Al Kovach, Jr., national president of Paralyzed Veterans of America. "We thank UPS for their continued generous support of the Games and of our veteran wheelchair athletes."

This marks the 29^th year that UPS will sponsor the National Veterans Wheelchair Games—the largest annual wheelchair multi-sports event in the world. Over the past 29 years, more than 4,000 UPS employees have contributed their time to assist the athletes with their equipment and chairs—providing logistical support for them. UPS will also serve as the event host sponsor for the slalom / super "G" competitions.

The National Veterans Wheelchair Games, presented annually by Paralyzed Veterans of America and the Department of Veterans Affairs, 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 a significant commitment to the rehabilitation of our nation's Veterans and empowers them to live more healthy and active lives through sports and recreation. The partnership with our sponsors to fulfill our mission helps 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 18 events: air guns, archery, basketball, boccia, bowling, handcycling, a motorized wheelchair rally, nine ball, power soccer, quad rugby, slalom, softball, swimming, table tennis, track and field, trapshooting, and weightlifting. This year's Wheelchair Games will also feature a rowing exhibition. Athletes compete in all events against others with similar athletic ability, competitive experience or age.

For more information about the 35^th National Veterans Wheelchair Games, please visit www.wheelchairgames.org.

About Paralyzed Veterans of America:

Paralyzed Veterans of America is the only congressionally chartered veterans service organization dedicated solely to serving veterans with spinal cord injury or disease. For nearly 70 years, Paralyzed Veterans has worked to ensure benefits, quality health care, accessibility, employment, and rehabilitative sports and recreation for veterans with disabilities. With more than 70 offices and 34 chapters, Paralyzed Veterans serves veterans, their families and their caregivers in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. (www.pva.org)

About the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of National Veterans Sports Programs & Special Events:

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of National Veterans Sports Programs & Special Events is the recognized world leader in rehabilitative and recreational therapies for disabled Veterans. VA promotes the rehabilitation of body and spirit by operating adaptive sports clinics and competitions around the nation. Learn more about VA's adaptive sports programs and partnerships at www.va.gov/adaptivesports.

The UPS Foundation:

Since its founding in 1907, UPS^® UPS has built a legacy as a caring and responsible corporate citizen, supporting programs that provide long-term solutions to community needs. The UPS Foundation, founded in 1951, is responsible for facilitating community involvement in local, national and global communities. In 2014 UPS and its employees, active and retired, invested more than $104 million and contributed more than 1.8 million hours of volunteer time globally. The UPS Foundation can be found on the web at ups.com/foundation.

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