#United States #Louisville #Paralyzed Veterans #Wheelchair Rugby #Code of Honor

Celebrating Champions of the Wheelchair Rugby Invitational

The Paralyzed Veterans of America recently wrapped up its eighth annual Wheelchair Rugby Invitational, a showcase event that has grown to be recognized as the largest adaptive rugby tournament in the United States. This year's competition took place in Louisville, Kentucky, where athletes from various backgrounds came together to celebrate their skills, resilience, and the spirit of competitive sports.

During the exhilarating four-day event, 20 talented teams competed for the prestigious Code of Honor Cup. The tournament was filled with high-energy matches and fierce rivalries, with the top honors going to the WWAR Generals, WASA/CKRI Lightning, and MedStar NRH United. The event not only highlighted the athletic prowess of the participants but also served as an opportunity for empowerment and camaraderie among veterans with disabilities.

The Invitational kicked off with a thrilling all-veteran scrimmage, setting a dynamic tone for the matches that followed. Throughout the tournament, the teams engaged in 50 intense games, showcasing their skills and determination. Among the competitors were nine athletes who had previously participated in the 2024 Paris Paralympics, underscoring the level of talent present at this year's Invitational.

Fabio Villarroel, Director of PVA Sports and Recreation, expressed pride in the tournament's significance, stating, "This year marks a major milestone with our Rugby Invitational now considered the largest wheelchair rugby event in the country. PVA is incredibly proud of the growth of this tournament and honored to congratulate all the winning teams. The Invitational continues to unite athletes from across the nation, break down barriers, and demonstrate the power of adaptive sports in changing lives."

In its mission since 2018, the Wheelchair Rugby Invitational aims to broaden the scope of the PVA's adaptive sports program and to advance the sport of wheelchair rugby. The event focuses on enhancing the lives of veterans with spinal cord injuries and diseases, including multiple sclerosis and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). By facilitating such events, PVA encourages veterans to regain their independence, build self-confidence, and foster a sense of community.

The tournament is organized by PVA’s Sports and Recreation Department, which provides over 60 free adaptive sporting opportunities throughout the year for thousands of veterans across the nation. The department’s dedication to improving the quality of life extends beyond wheelchair rugby, as it offers various activities such as bass fishing, bowling, yoga, and paracycling, catering to all people with disabilities.

Paralyzed Veterans of America, established as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is the only congressionally chartered veteran service organization dedicated exclusively to veterans with spinal cord injuries or diseases. Apart from hosting vulnerable and inspiring events like the Wheelchair Rugby Invitational, PVA ensures that veterans receive essential benefits earned through their service, monitors their healthcare, and invests in research aimed at improved care and potential cures for paralysis.

In conclusion, the eighth annual Wheelchair Rugby Invitational not only crowned champions but also reinforced the commitment to fostering an inclusive environment for athletes with disabilities. The celebration of sportsmanship and achievement highlighted the positive impact such events have on boosting morale and empowering veterans. For those interested in learning more about adaptive sports programs available through PVA, additional information can be found at PVA.org/Sports.