Wheelchair games helping to bridge 'gap between able-body and disabled'

Stephen Smith is a man who loves to shoot pool and play basketball. He volunteers in his free time, is president of his bowling league in Moore and has a degree in architecture from the University of Oklahoma.

He is also one of four veterans from Oklahoma competing in the National Veterans Wheelchair Games in Omaha, Neb. Opening ceremonies were Friday, and the competitions will run through Tuesday.

The games, now in their 28th year, consist of more than 17 events, including rugby, track and field, sled hockey, softball and archery. More than 500 veterans are expected to compete, making the games the largest annual wheelchair sports event in the world.

All military veterans with spinal cord injuries, amputations and neurological problems who use wheelchairs for sports competitions can participate.

Veterans contend with others who have similar athletic abilities or experience, and typically one-quarter of those participating have never been in any organized wheelchair sports competition.

"It's an honor to go to the games and compete,” said Smith, 40, who plans to compete in basketball, softball, bowling and billiards this year. It is his third year to participate.

Smith joined the Oklahoma's 45th Infantry Division in 1985 and was active as a

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