Mobility Friends Together

The 28^th National Veterans Wheelchair Games are set to begin this weekend in Omaha, Nebraska. This is the largest annual wheelchair sporting event in the world and more than 500 athletes have entered.

It is taking place at the University of Nebraska in Omaha and helps to improve the quality of life for disabled veterans. It can greatly improve the confidence and health of those who enter and often around a quarter of the attendees have never participated in any type of wheelchair sport competition before.

Lasted 4 days from July 25^th to July 29^th, this event is presented by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the Paralyzed Veterans of America.

Sports are an excellent type of therapy for those who are mobility challenged and can be used to help with many types of disability. There are over 15 different sporting events taking place at the Wheelchair Games. This includes swimming, table tennis, weightlifting, basketball, bowling, and even a motorized wheelchair rally.

To find out more visit the Department of Veterans Affairs website.

People all over the country use electric power wheelchairs to ensure that they can retain their mobility and go many places that they might not be able to otherwise. It is very important to be very conscious of cars and vehicles though, because it can be difficult for drivers of large vehicles to see people in wheelchairs. One 21 year old man in Michigan learned this the hard way.

Ben Carpenter was crossing an intersection when the light changed to green. A tractor trailer waiting at the light started to accelerate and Carpenters electric power wheelchair became lodged in the grill of the truck. What followed was undoubtedly a very scary ride.

The tractor trailer accelerated to over 50 miles per hour with Carpenter riding in the front. Several motorists called 911 and finally were able to get the tractor trailer to pull over to the side of the road. Luckily Carpenter was uninjured and the only damage to his wheelchair was a little bit of lost rubber on the wheels.

This situation illustrates how important it is to make certain that drivers are aware you are present. It is best to avoid crossing or using public roads whenever possible, but if you must cross the road always make eye contact with the driver first. You can not rely on others to see you, so you must make certain they do before crossing the road.

Thankfully this situation turned out very well. Carpenter was uninjured and only a little shaken, but it could have been much worse.