WASHINGTON, May 16, 2024
/PRNewswire/ -- Paralyzed Veterans of America – the
nation's premier nonprofit of choice for disabled Veterans, their
families, and caregivers – convened more than 100 of its top
leaders to Minneapolis, Minnesota
as part of its 78th Annual Convention May
13-18. Enhancing the week-long event was a special visit
today by VA Secretary Denis
McDonough, who stopped by to voice his continued support to
PVA and its more than 16,000 members across the country.
While onsite, Secretary McDonough delivered a speech emphasizing
the importance of collaboration. He also commended the ongoing
efforts of organizations, like PVA, in providing critical,
full-circle support, and opportunities for veterans across the
nation.
"Paralyzed Veterans of America is grateful and humbled by
today's visit with Secretary McDonough," said PVA National
President Robert Thomas. "Every
year, we host our Annual Convention to celebrate achievements,
address new challenges, explore future initiatives, and chart our
course for the upcoming fiscal year – all with one goal in mind: to
better support our Veterans with spinal cord injuries and diseases.
Secretary McDonough's presence today not only reinforced that goal
but symbolically renewed our joint commitment to serving those who
have served our nation."
Throughout the Annual Convention, attendees sat in more than 30
sessions where they participated in a series of panel discussions
aimed at addressing the evolving needs of veterans with spinal cord
injuries and diseases. Topics ranged from advances in medical
research to legislative advocacy efforts aimed at improving access
to healthcare and benefits for veterans.
Tim Walz, who served 24 years in
the U.S. Army National Guard and is now the Governor of
Minnesota, kicked off PVA's Annual
Convention by presenting a proclamation of "Paralyzed Veterans of
America Awareness Week" in the state of Minnesota, March
13-19. As part of the presentation, Governor Walz thanked
PVA for improving the quality of life for all veterans living with
spinal cord injuries, and diseases like MS and ALS. He also
assured PVA leadership that Minnesotans remain united in their
support for those who've raised their hand to serve and will
continue to honor their service long after the
battlefields have faded from memory.
Just one day before the Annual Convention got underway, the VA
and PVA joined forces at a Community Breakfast in Minneapolis and announced the 44th
Annual National Veterans Wheelchair Games – the largest adaptive
sports and rehabilitation event designed exclusively for U.S.
military veterans with disabilities – was taking place in
the Twin Cities July 17-22, 2025. The six-day, high-energy event
will comprise more than 600 athletes, 20+ events, and over 3,000
volunteers from across the world, as well as offer infinite
sponsorship opportunities.
To learn more about PVA visit PVA.org and to get involved
or become a sponsor of the National Veterans Wheelchair Games,
visit WheelchairGames.org.
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.
Contact: Oname Thompson
othompson@pva.org
(703) 864-5980 cell
View original content to download
multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/paralyzed-veterans-of-america-kicks-off-78th-annual-convention-in-minneapolis-with-special-visit-by-va-secretary-denis-mcdonough-among-others-302148222.html
SOURCE Paralyzed Veterans of America