EVENT GUIDE

The Department of Veterans Affairs and Paralyzed Veterans of America are excited to be

rolling out the 2020 NVWGatHOME initiative. Although our in person NVWG event in Port-

land was canceled amid the COVID-19 pandemic, our mission continues. The mission of the

National Veterans Wheelchair Games is to empower Veterans to be active, independent and

engaged in sports, fitness and recreation throughout the year, not just one week of the

summer.

We may not be able to come together in Portland this summer, but we sure can come

together virtually as a community! Let the Games Begin!

Dave Tostenrude Jen Purser

Director, NVWG Senior Associate Director, PVA Sports Department of Veterans Affairs Paralyzed Veterans of America

NVWGatHOME—EVENT SCHEDULE

DATE TIME ORIENTATION EVENTS PRESENTER/EVENT OFFICIAL

Monday—June 1 12n (EST) Adaptive Disc Golf Jeff Shattuck, Professional Disc Golfer

Tuesday—June 2 12n (EST) Adaptive Fitness and Competition Christina Lafex, Level 2 CrossFit Inst.

Wednesday—June 3 12n (EST) Adaptive E-Sports: It’s a Gamers World Jamie Kaplan, M.ED, CTRS, ATP

Thursday—June 4 12n (EST) Air Guns 101 John Arbino, NRA/USA Shooting Lev-

el III / Nicole Shuman, NRA/USA

Shooting Level I

Friday—June 5 3p (EST) 30-Day Cycling Challenge– Pre Race MTG Carrie Booker, CTRS

PRACTICE SCHEDULE

Wednesday—June 10 3p (EST) E-Sports Practice—Rocket League Jamie Kaplan

Friday—June 12 3p (EST) Cascade Cup—Workout of the Day #1 Christina Lafex / Alec Zirkenbach

Wednesday—June 17 3p (EST) E-Sports Practice—Rocket League Jamie Kaplan

Friday—June 19 3p (EST) Cascade Cup—Workout of the Day #2 Christina Lafex / Alec Zirkenbach

Wednesday—June 24 3p (EST) E-Sports Practice—Rocket League Jamie Kaplan

Friday—June 26 3p (EST) Cascade Cup—Workout of the Day #3 Christina Lafex / Alec Zirkenbach

Tuesday—June 23 3p (EST) Butler Cup Team Challenge—Coaches MTG Jen Purser / Dave Tostenrude

Tuesday—July 7 3p (EST) Preliminary Postal Air Rifle Competition John Arbino

Friday—July 10 3p (EST) Cascade Cup Competition Unveiling Christina Lafex / Alec Zirkenbach

2020 NVWGatHOME EVENTS

Sunday—July 12 5pm (EST) Opening Ceremonies

Monday—July 13 12n (EST) Outdoor Adventure Programs as Health Care:

Implications for People Living with MS.

Tracy Herring, PHD, Lindsey Knowles,

PHD, Kevin Alschuler, PHD

Monday—July 13 3p (EST) Cascade Cup—Preliminary

Tuesday—July 14 12n (EST) Introduction of Adaptive Sports in a Seated

Position to Veterans with Vision Loss

Rachel Smith, CTRS; Janessa Baccay,

MA, COMS; Julie Burdick, MA,COMS

Tuesday—July 14 1p (EST) E-Sports—Rocket League (Prelims)

Tuesday—July 14 5p (EST) Disc Golf

Wednesday—July 15 12n (EST) Concussion Management Program and Base-

line Database Initiative in WC Athletes

Dr. Ken Lee; Dr. Michael Uihlen; Dr.

Michael Harper

Wednesday—July 15 12n (EST) Postal Air Rifle

Wednesday—July 15 5p (EST) Team Challenge

Thursday—July 16 1p (EST) Cascade Cup—Finals

Thursday—July 16 3p (EST) E-Sports—Rocket League—(Finals)

Friday—July 17 12n (EST) NVWGatHOME Awards Ceremony

Friday—July 17 3p (EST) NVWGatHOME 5K (Cycle, Walk or Roll)

NVWGatHOME REGISTRATION

National Veterans Wheelchair Games Registration Instructions

OPENS: May 26, 2020 CLOSES: June 15, 2020

ELIGIBILITY:

Participation is open Veterans who have met the NVWG eligibility criteria and have completed

online registration for the 2020 National Veterans Wheelchair Games (NVWG). The NVWG Waiver

and Liability AND Concussion forms from the 2020 NVWG Registration are required. We will

review previously submitted applications for this information. If forms have not been received or are

incomplete, you will be required to submit this information in order to participate.

REGISTRATION INSTRUCTIONS:

Event registration will be through SignUpGenius. Registration is linked to your e-mail used to reg-

ister for the 2020 NVWG. Competition details will be provided to you in June.

STEP 1: ☐ Please click on the button / link provided in your e-mail to view the online sign-up.

☐ Choose event(s) listed under “available slot” by clicking . You can register for multiple events. Make sure you register based on your NVWG classification. New athletes will not have a classification. See next page for classification information or contact the NVWG Registration Team.

STEP 2: ☐ Monitor your e-mail. We will provide additional information through e-mail communication and on our website www.wheelchairgames.org We will notify you if you are required to submit the NVWG Waiver and Liability, and Concussion forms. DISCLAIMER:

The NVWG is an event that centers on sports competition that requires physical exertion. It is your

responsibility to work with your doctor to ensure your medical condition allows you to compete in

your registered events. Also, for the best outcomes and your safety, you should be training to par-

ticipate in your events. Please consult with your doctor or therapist for recommendations and assis-

tance. NVWG is not responsible for injuries during this virtual program.

QUESTIONS?

National Veterans Wheelchair Games Registration Team 206-407-9542 or 202-416-7752 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Eastern Time, M–F NVWGregistration@pva.org or Kristine.Goedhard@va.gov

Competition and Classification Information:

The NVWGatHOME will utilize the same classification criteria that is used at the National

Veterans Wheelchair Games. If you have previously competed at the NVWG, please use

your classification assigned. If you are new to the NVWG, please use the classification

associated with your level of injury. If you have any questions, please contact us and

we’ll assist. Divisions will not be used for the NVWGatHOME.

NVWG Classification

Class 1A C5/C6 Tetraplegia Class 1B C7 Tetraplegia Class 1C C8-T1 Tetraplegia Class II T2-T5 Paraplegia Class III T6-T10 Paraplegia Class IV T11-L2 Paraplegia Class V L3-L5 Paraplegia Class VI (swimming only) Bi-Lateral Amputations:

Class IV: bilateral AKA above lesser trochanter

Class V: bilateral AKA below lesser trochanter,

Class VI: combined AKA/BKA, bilateral BKA

Postal Air Rifle Competition

SH1 - competitors who do not use a rifle support stand SH2 - competitors who need to use a rifle support stand SH3 - visual impairment

EVENT CLASS GENDER

Postal Air Rifle SH1 N/A

Postal Air Rifle SH2 N/A

Cascade Cup Fitness Competition II/III Men

Women

Cascade Cup Fitness Competition IV/V Men

Women

Cascade Cup Fitness Competition IC Men

Women

Cascade Cup Fitness Competition IB Men

Women

Cascade Cup Fitness Competition IA Men

Women

Disc Golf II/III/IV/V N/A

IB/IC

1A

E-Sport Reg Controller N/A

Adaptive Con-troller

30-Day Cycling Challenge II/III N/A

IV/V

IB/IC

1A

#NVWGatHOME-5K (Cycle, Walk or Roll) All

EVENT CLASS GENDER

ADAPTIVE E-SPORTS

ESPORTS: (also known as electronic sports, e-sports, or eSports) is a form of sport competition

using video games. Esports often takes the form of organized, multiplayer video game competi-

tions, between players, individually or as teams. Adaptive Esports considers a person’s physical,

cognitive and/or psychosocial limitation and modifies the experience to promote maximum partici-

pation.

Adaptations may include but are not limited to:

• Game Selection

• Controller/Button Reconfiguration

• Adaptive Hand Controls (Xbox Adaptive Controller, One Handed ergonomic controller, rollerball

mouse etc.)

• Oversized Button or Switch input

• Eye gaze/visual input devices

ROCKET LEAGUE: is described as "soccer, but with rocket-powered cars", Rocket League has 1-

4 players assigned to each of the two teams, using rocket-powered vehicles to hit a ball into their

opponent's goal and score points over the course of a match. The game includes single-player and

multiplayer modes which can be played both locally and online, including cross-platform play be-

tween all versions.

THE COMPETITION: Feeling alone at home, get online and have some fun and meet some folks in the same boat as you! Practice sessions begin in June and the tournament begins the week of July 12 – 17 as part of the NVWGatHOME. Special medals given to the winners! Don’t miss out!

DISC GOLF CHALLENGE

Do you have what it takes to get this:

Into that: OF COURSE YOU DO!

Join us for the Disc Golf Putting Challenge

Competition will consist of putting three times from three different distances.

Your 10th putt will be from a distance of your choice and will be used in the

case of a tie. All submissions to occur from Monday 6 July through Thursday 9

July. Winners announced on Tuesday 14 July.

POSTAL AIR RIFLE COMPETITION

Air Rifle is a precision shooting event which is held at the Paralympic level. While the NVW-

GatHome will conduct a 40-shot match, typical matches consist of 60-shots in 50 minutes.

Shooters are given a 15-minute period prior to the match starting to adjust their position and

shoot unlimited sighters. The sighters are used to adjust their sights before the match and do

not count towards their score. Being this is a Paralympic event consideration is given to partici-

pants physical limitations to make the sport accessible.

Available adaptations include:

• Spring Stands for SH-2 shooters

• Sip/puff triggers for those with limited hand control

• Shooting tables to allow shooters to compete in Prone matches from a chair.

The Postal Match format will be used for the NVWGs this year, with consideration given to cur-

rent social distancing restrictions. Postal Matches are held at the National level and allow partic-

ipants to take part in matches while minimizing traveling. The targets are mailed to competitors

2020 TEAM CHALLENGE—THE BUTLER CUP

NVWG Coaches – here is a chance to virtually show how your team can step up. Below are the instructions for the Team Challenge. Scoresheet must be submitted via email to Dave Tostenrude and Jen Purser at either (David.tostenrude@va.gov or Jenniferp@pva.org) by 5pm, July 15, 2020.

As the coach, organize your team to determine who will participate in the following events. You make the decision, but at least one score submitted must be from a team member that is in the IA, IB or IC classification. It is encouraged to have multiple team members attempting to get the best score, but only one person’s score in any of the events can be used. In other words, once you use a Veteran’s score, that person is done.

MOST IMPORTANTLY: Safety! Ensure all safety steps and social distancing requirements for your region are supported. There is an element of physical exertion and stress in all the events, especially for powerlifting. Everyone participates at their own risk.

2020 Team Challenge – Race for the Butler Cup!

EVENTS:

Shot Put

Wall Ball Toss

Disc Golf

TIE BREAKER – Biggest Fish Caught

SHOT PUT: The 8 lb throw will start when the competitor gets in position at their designated

home pit (all Athletes will throw from their w/c ) The Competitors w/c casters cannot move once in place and you cannot come off your cushion at any time. All competitors will use an item of choice that is 8 lbs. The home pit must be open and free of any debris. The throws must be measured by a coach or approved support person. You have a total of three throws. The longest throw will be accepted as you submitted longest toss. Please submit the total dis-tance, description of the 8lb object and certification by your coach.

WALL BALL TOSS: Wallballs (using a basketball) will start when competitor gets in position. Wallballs will be completed from the wheelchair and must throw the basketball to a 10ft height for each throw. Each athlete must lock into position before starting for safety and must stay on the cushion at all times during the throw. Each athlete will have three minutes to complete as many wallballs as they can. The coach will submit the # reps above 10ft completed and verify results.

2020 TEAM CHALLENGE—THE BUTLER CUP (part 2)

DISC GOLF: Score will consist of three throws to the basket. Each athlete will have three throw from a 10 ft distance to their basket. A coach or support person must verify the measured 10 feet distance. Each athlete must use disc golf regulated disks. Each athlete will have three throws. Scores will be calculated as the following. Coach will submit the total points.

In the basket-10 points

At the base of the basket-8 points

1 foot from the basket-5 points

2 feet from the basket-3 points

Any less than 2 feet-no points

TIE BREAKER – BIGGEST FISH. This is simple, go fishing! Provide the Veterans name, and a pic of the fish, type of fish and weight.

This is about creativity and having fun! It is unfortunate that we can’t come together in Portland, but the Spirit of the NVWG is about engaging in sports, fitness and recreation throughout the year. We have a great opportunity this year to do just that! Can’t wait to see what your team comes up with!

Have FUN!

CASCADE CUP

Adaptive Fitness is one of the fastest growing,

all-encompassing adaptive sports available to

athletes of all ability levels. This type of train-

ing has been added in keeping up with the

rehabilitation, exercise and fitness demands

of the Veterans.

Experience the physical challenge of competi-tion following training with certified Adaptive Fitness Experts and CrossFit coaches.

A competition to showcase your fitness

Virtual Trainings and Virtual Cascade Cup will be completed on www.webex.com

sign up for a free account

Virtual Adaptive Fitness Training sessions lead by industry experts. Trainings will be based on potential movements for the Cascade Cup. These trainings will help competitors with im-proved comfort, improved performance and effi-ciency for all movement standards.

All videos and scores will be submitted to the Challenge Me page for judges review and score confirmation. This site will also keep a running leaderboard to see where you stack up against the other competitors. https://challengemetraining.com/

30-DAY CYCLING CHALLENGE

NVWG Community Challenge!

From June 15, 2020—July 15, 2020, let’s work to cover the distance from Portland to

New York City! The spirit of the NVWG impacts us all, so if you are a Veteran, Coach,

Caregiver, family member or staff, let’s log the miles to the next time we can get

together and anything you contribute to the team, makes a difference!

To set the tone, you can count Jen and Dave each for 100 miles! What are you gonna

bring to the table?

To log the miles, email: Mary Hobbs at MaryH@pva.org with the #miles for that week

that you’ve accomplished. The announcement of our final results will be Friday, July 17!

Who is taking home the NVWG Cycling Medal for 2020? The 30-Day Cycling

Challenge will be awarded to the top three finishers in each class and by male

or female that log the most miles between June 15, 2020 and July 15, 2020.

Winners will be announced at the NVWGatHOME Awards Ceremony on July

17,2020.

Registration is required and the competition is:

Group 1 Class II/III—Women

Group 1a Class II/III—Male

Group 2 Class III/IV—Women

Group 2a Class III/IV—Male

Group 3 Class IC/IB—Women

Group 3a Class IC/IB—Male

Group 4 Class IA—Women

Group 4a Class IA—Male

Reporting requirements will be sent out before June 15, 2020.

NVWGatHOME 5K (CYCLE, WALK or ROLL)

Join us to close out an incredible week of events spotlighting the foundation of

what the National Veterans Wheelchair Games. The NVWG is not limited to

one week out of the year, but rather what you do the other 359 days to engage

in sports, health, fitness and overcoming challenges so they are just

speedbumps and not mountains.

At 3pm (eastern) on Friday, July 17, 2020 tune in to a live broadcast closing

out the 2020 NVWGatHOME. This will be followed by all of the NVWG family

including Veterans, VA and PVA Staff, Caregivers, NVWG partners, families

and friends from across the United States and our team from Great Britain

cycling, walking or rolling (and social distancing) a 5K at home. Let’s cover

the distance together to keep everyone in our healthy hearts till we can come

together again!

Can’t wait to see you all in New York City in 2021!