Paralyzed Veterans of America to host Seventh Annual Wheelchair Rugby Invitational in Louisville, Kentucky
Post Date: January 8, 2024
LOUISVILLE, KY (Jan. 8, 2024) – Paralyzed Veterans of America will host the seventh annual Wheelchair Rugby Invitational January 11-14, 2024, in Louisville, Kentucky. In total, eighteen teams will compete in three divisions in a round-robin style competition. The winner of each division will be awarded PVA’s coveted Code of Honor Cup, which will be presented by Paralyzed Veterans of America.
The invitational will kick-off with an all-Veteran scrimmage on Thursday, January 11, 2024, with interview opportunities beforehand and throughout the tournament with event organizers and military Veterans.
WHO:
Fabio Villarroel, PVA Sports and Recreation Director
Jennifer Purser, PVA Senior Associate Director of Sport
Scrappy Smith, U.S. Navy Veteran/PVA member and competitor
Steven Lewis, U.S. Army Veteran/PVA member and competitor
Michael Belew, U.S. Air Force Veteran/PVA member and competitor
WHAT:
2024 PVA Wheelchair Rugby Invitational
WHEN:
Veteran Scrimmage/Kick-off
Thursday, January 11, 2024
6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
*Media set-up no later than 4:15 p.m., with interview opportunities 4:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Invitational Tournament
Friday, January 12, 2024
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
*Media set-up and interview opportunities available beginning at 8:30 a.m.
Saturday, January 13, 2023
8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
*Media set-up and interview opportunities available beginning at 7:30 a.m.
WHERE:
Kentucky International Convention Center
221 S. 4th Street
Louisville, KY 40202
WHY:
Since 2018, PVA has hosted the Wheelchair Rugby Invitational to broaden the scope of its sports program, to grow the sport of wheelchair rugby and to empower the disability community. The goal of event is to increase awareness of adaptive sports, support athletes with disabilities, and improve the quality of life of veterans with spinal cord injuries and diseases, like MS and ALS, by helping them regain their independence.
The event is hosted by PVA’s Sports and Recreation Department, which offers over 60 free virtual and in-person adaptive sporting and recreation opportunities year-round that serve thousands of veterans across the country. Dedicated to improving the quality of life for paralyzed veterans and other people with disabilities by promoting a healthy and active lifestyle, the Sports & Recreation Department regularly host activities, like bass fishing, bowling, yoga, paracycling, wheelchair rugby and basketball, disc golf, boccia, and more.
To learn more about PVA’s Sports and Recreation Department visit PVA.org/Sports.
About Paralyzed Veterans of America
Paralyzed Veterans of America is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and the only congressionally chartered veterans service organization dedicated solely for the benefit and representation of veterans with spinal cord injury or diseases. The organization ensures veterans receive the benefits earned through service to our nation; monitors their care in VA spinal cord injury units; and funds research and education in the search for a cure and improved care for individuals with paralysis.
As a life-long partner and advocate for veterans and all people with disabilities, PVA also develops training and career services, works to ensure accessibility in public buildings and spaces, and provides health and rehabilitation opportunities through sports and recreation. With more than 70 offices and 33 chapters, Paralyzed Veterans of America serves veterans, their families, and their caregivers in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Learn more at PVA.org.
