• Home
  • ABOUT VAN PRODUCTS
  • Contact Us
  • About Van Products

    At Van Products, we are in the business of allowing our customers the opportunity for freedom of independent living through custom mobility products and accessories.

  • Follow Us On

  • a

  • a

  • a

  • a

a

a

a

logo
  • Home
  • About Van Products
  • Contact Us

Goldsboro Native Wins Gold in National Veterans Wheelchair Games

September 13, 2011

national-veterans-wheelchair-games-logoVan Products family member, Johnny Holland, recently competed in the 31st National Veterans Wheelchair Games in Pittsburgh, PA. The Goldsboro native and Army Veteran did North Carolina proud as he placed 1st in his class and division in two events; Nine Ball and Weightlifting.

He placed 2nd in Bowling and also participated in Softball. Johnny bowled a 162, and his winning bench press was 265 pounds. These are exceptional performances especially considering the wide range of skills needed to participate in four very different events. No wonder he goes by the moniker “Quadzilla!”

Heading Back to Richmond, VA

Johnny won’t have to travel quite as far next year. The 32nd National Veterans Wheelchair Games will come back to Richmond, VA., the site of the inaugural Games in 1981. The 2012 Games are set for June 25th through the 30th.

Charlie Hayden is the sports director for the Virginia Mid-Atlantic Chapter Paralyzed Veterans of America. He’s very familiar with the Games because he participated in the original Richmond Games in 1981. “We’re very excited to bring the Games back to Richmond—where it all began nearly 32 years ago,” said Charlie. “The Games have grown tremendously since then, and we look forward to seeing that growth continue as we host the 2012 National Veterans Wheelchair Games.”

Athletes can compete at the National Veterans Wheelchair Games each year and are presented by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA). They are open to all U.S. military veterans in wheelchairs for sports competition as a result of spinal cord injury, certain neurological conditions, amputations or other mobility impairments.

Events in the National Veterans Wheelchair Games

There are 17 events contested in the National Veterans Wheelchair Games:

  • Swimming
  • Table tennis
  • Weightlifting
  • Archery
  • Air guns
  • Basketball
  • Nine ball
  • Softball
  • Quad rugby
  • Bowling
  • Handcycling
  • Wheelchair slalom
  • Power soccer
  • Motorized wheelchair rally
  • Track and field
  • Trapshooting

The athletes are grouped with others who have similar abilities, experience and age. You can learn more about the 32nd National Veterans Wheelchair Games at www.pva.org/Games or www.wheelchairgames.va.gov.

Johnny “Quadzilla” on Television

On a final note, Johnny was one of the athletes featured in the promotion done by a local TV station in Pittsburgh. During the advertisement, “Quadzilla” caught the eye of a young viewer and he immediately wanted to meet Johnny. He headed out to the Games and was fortunate enough to find Johnny amongst all the other competitors. Johnny shared his time generously and as you can see in the picture, gave his new friend a good look at his medals. While visiting at Van Products recently, he grinned and said, “Yeah, I definitely have a new buddy!”

Where might Quadzilla show up next?

On September 17th, Johnny will throw out the first pitch at the inaugural Miracle League of Franklin County baseball game at Louisburg High School. Game time is 7pm and Van Products will be there, too!

Goldsboro NativeHandicapped organizations NCJohnny HollandNational Veterans Wheelchair Gamesparalyzed veteransQuadzillaSuccess StoriesVirginia PVA
Share

Handicapped Community Involvement  / overcoming challenges  / Success Stories  / Wheelchair Athletes

You might also like

“Local Heroes” to Receive Three New Wheelchair Vans
April 5, 2012
North Carolina Handicapped Sportsmen – Pender Possible Hunt
November 30, 2011
Paralyzed Veterans of America: Scholarship Program
June 29, 2011

Leave A Reply


Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • About Van Products

    At Van Products, we are in the business of allowing our customers the opportunity for freedom of independent living through custom mobility products and accessories.

  • Follow Us On

  • Tags

    Accessibility Awareness cerebral palsy commercial upfits disabilities disability disability awareness disabled veterans handicap accessibility handicap accessible van handicap accessible vans Handicapped organizations NC handicapped veterans wheelchair handicap vans life in a wheelchair mobility mobility impairment mobility products nc wheelchair van rental new wheelchair van new wheelchair vans overcoming challenges overcoming handicap challenges overcoming mobility challenges overcoming physical disability parenting physical therapy Raleigh handicap van Raleigh handicap vans Raleigh mobility vans Raleigh wheelchair community Raleigh wheelchair van rent a wheelchair van rent wheelchair van Success Stories used wheelchair van used wheelchair vans wheelchair accessibility wheelchair accessible van wheelchair accessible vans wheelchair stair lifts wheelchair van rental wheelchair vans wheelchair vans North Carolina wheelchair vans Raleigh


  • logo

  • Recent Posts

    • Side-Entry Vs. Rear-Entry Wheelchair Vans
      January 19, 2023
    • Reasons to Consider a Used Wheelchair Van
      December 12, 2022
    • Van Products Celebrates the US Open Wheelchair Championships
      September 30, 2022
  • Popular Posts

    • Exciting News for Kids in RHA Howell's Bridges' Cap/C Program!
      January 7, 2011
    • New Wheelchair Van: 2011 Toyota Sienna
      December 28, 2010
    • Overcoming Challenge and Disability: A Father’s Love and a Son’s Cerebral Palsy
      August 31, 2010

© Copyright Van Products Inc. All Rights Reserved. Website Design Development & Marketing by Look to the Right