President’s Report

The last time I was writing an article it was snowing but now summer weather is finally here with lots of sun and nice warm temperatures. I would much rather have it this way. Hope you get out and enjoy the sun.

The Buckeye wheelchair games were held in person this year, after a two-year hiatus thanks to Covid, at Spire Institute in Geneva Ohio on April 21st and 22nd . We had 60 athletes sign up to compete in this year’s game. It was great seeing everyone face-toface after the two years off. I heard nothing but comments on how the games went so smoothly even after not doing it for a couple years. I personally thank all the sponsors, members, staff, VA employees and especially the volunteers that make this event possible. Next year’s games are already in the plans and will be held on April 19-20, 2024. If you didn’t get a chance to attend this year start your plans for next year and will look forward to seeing all of you there.

Our Annual Golf Outing fundraiser is set to be played on September 18, 2023 at the Medina Country Club. Medina Country Club is located at 5588 Wedgewood Road in Medina, Ohio.

Members can volunteer to be at different holes on the course thanking all the participants for supporting our chapter. We will be looking into getting raffle prizes and hole sponsors. If you know anyone that gulfs, please let them know about our event and see if you can sign them up. All the information is on the chapter website at www.buckeyepva.org . Flyers for the event can be requested by calling the office.

So you see there is always something that you are members can do to help the chapter in different ways. Your concerns, issues, or ideas of how we can make our chapter better are always welcome. Please either contact the chapter office, stop by the VA chapter office on the 6th floor or email me at carlh@buckeyepva.org with your ideas and concerns.

Sincerely,

Carl Harris

Executive Director’s Report

I'm happy to report that the 12th Annual Buckeye Wheelchair Games held at SPIRE Institute in Geneva, Ohio was a success! We had 60 athletes who competed in events from track, field, swimming, weight lifting, boccia, bowling, air guns, billiards, table tennis and archery. And this year, we were thrilled to introduce disc golf. We were also privileged to have our slalom course designed by famed bioengineer, Rory Cooper. Mr. Cooper founded the Human Engineering Research Laboratories (HERL,) which strives to improve the mobility and function of people with disabilities through advanced engineering. It was also exciting to have the local media cover our event with articles in the Star Beacon, and a feature on Spectrum News 1 tv.

BPVA has many more exciting events coming up and we hope you will join us!

Until next time, Jennifer

McCarty