NATIONAL VETERANS WHEELCHAIR GAMES COME TO DALLAS
DALLAS UNITED CREW TO HOST ROWING EXHIBITIONS
Dallas, Texas – Get ready, Dallas! The upcoming 35th Annual National Veterans Wheelchair Games are rolling into town on June 21 – 26. The NVW Games are the largest annual wheelchair games in the world and are co-sponsored by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the Paralyzed Veterans of America organization. Nearly 600 wheelchair Veterans from all over the nation will compete in 17 events over five days -- from archery to quad rugby, swimming to track and field. As the NVGW website states, “The games inspire the athletes to achieve their personal best – in work and in life.” (www.wheelchairgames.org)
Dallas United Crew is pleased to welcome the games to Dallas and to host two rowing exhibitions. Veterans will be participating in both indoor rowing (“erging”) and rowing on the water at White Rock Lake. This is the first time in the 35-year history of the Games that rowing has been included. “This is a great opportunity for DUC and our partners and sponsors to show our continued support for our Veterans, and to introduce them to sport that has been so transformational for many teenagers and adult rowers,” said Chuck Mueller, a DUC board member who is helping coordinate the rowing exhibitions.
Dallas United Crew will partner with US Rowing, White Rock Rowing, and their specialized Adaptive Rowing coaches, along with Dallas staff and volunteers, to make the exhibitions a success. The City of Dallas Park and Recreation Department has played a major role in facilitating the exhibitions. According to Willis C. Winters, Director of Dallas Park and Recreation, “We are thrilled to partner with Dallas United Crew in providing a venue for this outstanding event. The veterans in this event are true athletes. They show us the meaning of endurance, the inspiration of sacrifice, and they bring a respect and dignity to these games that honor all sporting events everywhere. We enthusiastically welcome them to Dallas and to one of our premier parks, White Rock Lake.”
Details
Sunday, June 21st – 12 am to 5 pm: Indoor Rowing Exhibition at the Dallas Convention Center. The athletes will familiarize themselves with the rowing equipment and rowing stroke, followed by competitions that simulate individuals rowing a 500-1000 meter course against one another.
Monday, June 22nd – 1:00 to 4 pm: Outdoor Rowing Exhibition at White Rock Lake (3800 West Lawther Drive). Athletes will be instructed on the fundamentals of sweep rowing, using a special 8-seat rowing barge and other stability-enhanced rowing boats on the water.
For more information on the games, visit www.wheelchairgames.org. The schedule for all events is under the “Registration” tab. For information on the rowing exhibitions, contact Chuck Mueller, at chuck@dallasunitedcrew.org.
About Dallas United Crew
Transforming Lives, Building Community. Dallas United Crew offers a variety of rowing and dragon boating programs for adults and youth age 11+ on White Rock Lake. Since 2002, DUC has been building community, fostering leadership and teamwork, and having fun through oar and paddle sports. These programs challenge, strengthen and empower people both mentally and physically. Both novice and experienced rowers and paddlers are welcome. DUC is a registered 501c(3) nonprofit organization and donations are tax-deductible. For complete information on getting out on the water with DUC, visit www.dallasunitedcrew.org.
Imagine what we can do for Dallas with a community boathouse? A capital campaign is currently underway to raise funds to build a new community boathouse on White Rock Lake, making oar and paddle sports accessible to an even broader audience including those with disabilities. Visit the DUC website for more information. www.dallasunitedcrew.org.