National Veterans Wheelchair Games
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John Wade from Cleveland, Ohio, has a boost of confidence right before the start signal in the National Veterans Wheelchair Games at the Portland International Raceway on July 5, 2023. The National Veterans Wheelchair Games brought in about 460 veterans to compete in all kinds of sporting events.
Caden Perry / OPB
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Adam Parker from Fresno, California, cruises by early in the race for the National Veterans Wheelchair Games at the Portland International Raceway on July 5, 2023. The Department of Veterans Affairs and Paralyzed Veterans of America co-present the Games to inspire recreational activities and independence in U.S. veterans.
Caden Perry / OPB
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Veterans line up at the Portland International Raceway for the cycling event.
Caden Perry / OPB
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Volunteers for the National Veterans Wheelchair Games cheer on veteran athletes as they hit the straightaway on Portland International Raceway’s track.
Caden Perry / OPB
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Pushing along, a veteran athlete speeds into the second half of the National Veterans Wheelchair Games cycling race.
Caden Perry / OPB
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Finishing their second to last lap, a group of veteran athletes for the National Veterans Wheelchair Games exchange joking words of dismay at beating each other.
Caden Perry / OPB
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Two veterans use handcycles while racing on the Portland International Raceway. Veteran athletes raced for 21 kilometers, competing for medals in their ability category.
Caden Perry / OPB
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Two veterans hit the asphalt turn in the National Veterans Wheelchair Games cycling race on the Portland International Raceway on July 5, 2023. “The Games are what get me to pull up my bootstraps and get out...or, I guess, one boot strap,” jokes David Summers, right.
Caden Perry / OPB
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A veteran squints and focuses on their target with an air pistol at the Oregon Convention Center, July 5, 2023. Clinics are held for some events, helping veterans extend their sporting experience after the Games are finished.
Caden Perry / OPB
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Competitors take aim in the air pistol event at the Oregon Convention Center. Veterans from all branches of the military come to the Games to find community and competition in shared abilities and backgrounds.
Caden Perry / OPB
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Patrick Peterson from Alabama, right, slaps hands with a teammate during a softball competition at the Oregon Convention Center.
Caden Perry / OPB
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A runner for the McKenzie team slips by Eric Turman, right, from McCormick, S.C., allowing a team Crooked to score a run in the National Veterans Wheelchair Games. “We just got put on a random team, but I already feel the fire against those other guys,” one of the sideline players exclaims.
Caden Perry / OPB
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Players get into ready stances for an incoming pitch in the softball event held at the Oregon Convention Center.
Caden Perry / OPB
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A batter eyes an incoming ball at the National Veterans Wheelchair Games at the Oregon Convention Center.
Caden Perry / OPB