Comcast and NBCUniversal Recognized as a Premier Sponsor of 2014 National Veterans Wheelchair Games

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Paralyzed Veterans of America (Paralyzed Veterans) are proud to announce that Comcast and NBCUniversal will serve as a Premier Sponsor for the upcoming 34th National Veterans Wheelchair Games, which will be held Tuesday, August 12 through Sunday, August 17 in Philadelphia.

In addition to financial support, Comcast and NBCUniversal are also supporting the Games via a large media and promotional package that includes regional airtime, digital and mobile promotions, and usage of local on-air talent at various events and programs during the Games. The company is also assisting the Games through a large employee volunteer drive in and around Games events. 

"We thank Comcast and NBCUniversal for their generous support of this important rehabilitative event for our disabled veterans, and we hope to continue this new partnership for years to come," said Al Kovach, national president of Paralyzed Veterans of America. "The support of sponsors like Comcast and NBCUniversal is vital to putting on an event as large as these Games; without them it wouldn’t be possible." 

Comcast will also serve as one of the event host sponsors for the power soccer and track competitions. 

"We are proud to again sponsor the National Veterans Wheelchair Games and to support these incredible heroes," said Charisse R. Lillie, vice president of Community Investment for Comcast Corporation and president of the Comcast Foundation. "This event celebrates the accomplishments of those who served our nation and sacrificed so much.  We applaud the achievements of these athletes." 

The National Veterans Wheelchair Games, presented annually by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Paralyzed Veterans of America, 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 are focused on providing therapeutic, holistic treatments through adaptive sports. "These Games are empowering Veterans with disabilities to improve their lives through sports and recreation," said Dave Tostenrude, Director of the National Veterans Wheelchair Games. "The athletes return home with the attitude and information of what they can do, versus, what they cannot." 

Veterans at the National Veterans Wheelchair Games will compete in 18 events: air guns, archery, basketball, boccia, bowling, field, handcycling, a motorized wheelchair rally, nine ball, power soccer, quad rugby, slalom, softball, swimming, table tennis, track, trapshooting and weightlifting. This year’s Wheelchair Games will also feature an exhibition of wheelchair lacrosse. Athletes compete in all events against others with similar athletic ability, competitive experience or age. For more information about the 34th National Veterans Wheelchair Games, please visit www.wheelchairgames.org.