[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 9]
[Senate]
[Page 12603]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                   NATIONAL VETERANS WHEELCHAIR GAMES

  Mrs. BOXER. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate 
proceed to consideration of S. Res. 246, which was submitted earlier 
today.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the resolution by title.
  The legislative clerk read as follows:

       A resolution (S. Res. 246) recognizing and commending the 
     2011 National Veterans Wheelchair Games, to be held in 
     Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, August 1 through August 6, 2011.

  There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the 
resolution.
  Mr. CASEY. Madam President, I rise today in favor of this resolution 
to recognize the importance of the National Veterans Wheelchair games 
which will be held in Pittsburgh, PA, starting August 1. This 
resolution recognizes the great contributions that this event makes 
towards improving the lives of disabled veterans and commends the 
organizers of this event.
  I am proud to welcome veterans from across the country to Pittsburgh, 
PA, this year as they participate in the 31st annual National Veterans 
Wheelchair Games. The games offer veterans with disabilities an 
opportunity to foster improved health through competition. Veterans can 
participate in 17 different events which include swimming, rugby, 
bowling, soccer and track and field events. These games have allowed 
for veterans, including those who have served in Operation Enduring 
Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom a chance to meet with other 
wheelchair athletes and to continue to use their athletic skills in 
competition.
  Participants come from almost every State in the United States, from 
Puerto Rico and from the United Kingdom. They range from world class 
athletes to first time competitors. A quarter of the athletes will be 
participating for the first time.
  As a Senator representing the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, home to 
over 1 million veterans, the care and treatment of veterans is one of 
my highest priorities. I firmly believe that this country must be 
grateful for the safe homecoming of every single man and woman who has 
served in harm's way. Our joy at their return must be reflected in our 
commitment to helping all those who have served, especially those who 
are coping with devastating physical injuries and illnesses.
  During my time in the U.S. Senate, I have sponsored and supported 
legislation to help our Nation's veterans. I strongly believe that 
treatment and rehabilitation of our Nation's veterans should be among 
our highest priorities. These games offer our Nation's veterans an 
opportunity to overcome adversity and work towards rehabilitation. As 
such the games deserve our support and attention.
  It is with great pride that I offer this resolution to recognize the 
contribution that this event makes towards improving the lives of 
disabled veterans and commend the organizers and volunteers of this 
event. I thank Senator Toomey for joining me in sponsoring this and I 
urge all of my colleagues to join me in support of this resolution.
  Mrs. BOXER. Madam President, I further ask that the resolution be 
agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, the motions to reconsider be laid 
upon the table, with no intervening action or debate, and that any 
statements be printed in the Record.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The resolution (S. Res. 246) was agreed to.
  The preamble was agreed to.
  The resolution, with its preamble, reads as follows:

                              S. Res. 246

       Whereas the National Veterans Wheelchair Games are a multi-
     event sports and rehabilitation program for veterans who use 
     wheelchairs for sports competition due to spinal cord 
     injuries, amputations, or neurological problems;
       Whereas the National Veterans Wheelchair Games is the 
     largest annual wheelchair sporting event in the world, 
     attracting roughly 600 athletes annually;
       Whereas in 2011, the National Veterans Wheelchair Games 
     will be held August 1 through August 6, in Pittsburgh, 
     Pennsylvania;
       Whereas competitive events at the National Veterans 
     Wheelchair Games include table tennis, archery, swimming, 
     quad rugby, weightlifting, air guns, nine-ball, basketball, 
     softball, bowling, handcycling, power soccer, trapshooting, 
     Super ``6'' slalom, a motorized wheelchair rally, and track 
     and field events;
       Whereas the National Veterans Wheelchair Games provide 
     veterans with disabilities the opportunity to enhance their 
     quality of life and promote better health through sports 
     competition; and
       Whereas past National Veterans Wheelchair Games have 
     produced national and world-class champions and given newly 
     disabled veterans, including veterans who have served in 
     Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, a 
     chance to participate in events with other wheelchair 
     athletes and to continue to use their athletic skills in 
     competition: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) recognizes the significant contribution that the 
     National Veterans Wheelchair Games make to the lives of 
     disabled veterans who have selflessly served the United 
     States; and
       (2) commends the organizers and volunteers of and the 
     participants in the 2011 National Veterans Wheelchair Games 
     for their efforts in service of the United States.

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