MINNEAPOLIS, MN – In 1981, the National Veterans Wheelchair Games began with just 77 athletes. Now in its 44th year with over 500 athletes competing in the six-day event, it is the world’s largest wheelchair sports and rehabilitation event for Veterans with disabilities, according to news.va.gov.

 Veterans from the U.S. and as far as Puerto Rico and Hawaii compete in over 20 adaptive sports like basketball, rugby, pickleball, softball, archery, and disc golf. Charlie Breiner is a U.S. Army Veteran and a native of Claryville, NY, who now resides at the Castle Point VA in Wappingers Falls. Breiner served during the Vietnam War during the Tet Offensive, a major escalation during the war. 

Due to his injuries, Breiner lives as an amputee. Breiner shared with the Democrat about what made him want to participate in the games. “I guess I’m kind of competitive! It was a great experience and I loved every minute of it.” 

The competition was friendly but intense, Breiner shared. He went on to say, “I met Veterans from all over the country.” Breiner competed in four events, including boccia, bowling, where he placed first, slalom, where he placed third, and motor rally, where he also finished in third place. Breiner’s daughter, Tina Ramos, had this to say on her father’s participation in the event: “I was fortunate to accompany my father to the wheelchair games in Minnesota and was able to cheer him on to his victories. 

Although his disability has slowed him down, he continues to stay active and involved in meaningful ways. This summer, he proudly served as a judge in the Coney Island Mermaid Parade and was honored to be a Friends and Family VIP at the Nathans Hot Dog eating contest on July 4th. At Castle Point VA, he remains deeply engaged in the community, helping to establish a beautiful outdoor garden on the patio that reflects his lifelong love of the outdoors and gardening.” 

The 2026 NVWG is scheduled to be held next July in Detroit, MI, and Breiner says that he hopes to attend.