Itís been more than 30 years since Timothy Daubert lost the use of his legs, but there is nothing disabled about this former Marine.

Being in a wheelchair hasnít prevented him from skiing, competing in a relay or bringing home seven medals in the last three years at the National Veterans Wheelchair Games.

ìI want people to take the ëdisí out of disability,î he said. ìWhen you go to these games you can see there is nothing but ability there.î

The 57-year-old Lindsay resident is one of three disabled veterans from the Central Valley and 33 from California who will compete in the Wheelchair Games from July 25-29 in Omaha, Neb. This year marks the 28th year of the event, which has grown to become the largest annual wheelchair sports event in the world.

ìThree years ago in Anchorage, Alaska there were 700 plus competitors and that marched in a parade down the main street for the Fourth of July,î Daubert said. ìThat was one of the most moving experiences of my life.î

The National Veterans Wheelchair Games, presented by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), are open to all U.S. military veterans who use wheelchairs for sports competition due to spinal cord injuries, certain neurological conditions, amputations or other mobility impairments. The VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System and the Great Plains Chapter of the Paralyzed Veterans of America are hosting the 2008 Games.

At the Games, veterans will compete in track and field, swimming, basketball, weightlifting, softball, air guns, quad rugby, bowling, table tennis, archery, handcycling, a motorized wheelchair rally, wheelchair slalom, trapshooting, nine-ball and power soccer. Sled hockey is an exhibition event this year.

Daubert competes in different sports each year, but remains a constant in air gun and wheelchair rally.

ìThe rally is my favorite because it is the most difficult,î said Daubert, who described the event as a timed obstacle course with tight turns, tricky tasks and tough topography. ìIím also a pretty good shot in the air gun event.î

Daubert has won a gold, silver and bronze medal in the wheelchair rally and a bronze in air gun in just three years competing at the games.

Dr. James B. Peake, Secretary of Veterans Affairs, said sports are important in the therapy used to treat many disabilities. VA is a recognized leader in rehabilitation, with therapy programs available at VA health care facilities across the nation. The local veterans all receive health care services at area VA medical facilities. For many injured veterans, the Wheelchair Games provide their first exposure to wheelchair athletics.

ìRehabilitation is crucial to living a full life following an injury,î Peake said. ìI applaud all of the veterans participating as they strive to achieve their goals during this week of athletic competition.î

Daubert was severely injured in Vietnam in 1971 when he was hit by a mortar. He has been in a wheelchair ever since. He said he first heard about the games three years ago when another veteran told him he should compete.

ìIf I would have known about it, I would have been doing every year since it started,î Daubert said. ìWhen we compete, we donít think about anything else but the next event.î

But bringing home the gold isnít what itís about, Daubert said. Itís more about the camaraderie and knowing that there are other people who understand what you are going through.

ìItís hard to explain the lasting relationships that you build there,î Daubert said. ìWe talk about whoís going to beat who, life as a veteran and the struggles we have had. Few people outside of that group understand exactly what itís like.î

He keeps in touch through e-mail with about 30 other veterans that attend the games each year.

ìLike serving our nation, the National Veterans Wheelchair Games are not really about the medals. Instead, theyíre a mix of camaraderie, competition and courage. The games are rehabilitation at its best for our paralyzed veterans,î said Randy L. Pleva, Sr., National President of the Paralyzed Veterans of America. ìIf you are in the Omaha area, please join us this July. Youíll be inspired.î

Daubert, who is head of the Americans With Disabilities in Lindsay, said he hopes to inspire Tulare County to hold competitions here for Valley veterans in wheelchairs and amputees. For more information about getting involved, call Timothy Daubert at 562-8041.

ìIíd just like to see more veterans go to the Wheelchair Games,î he said. ìIf you go once, you wonít ever want to miss it again. I am so thankful for the opportunity to compete in the games.î

For more information about the National Veterans Wheelchair Games, contact Susan Varcie, Program Specialist, VA National Programs, at (734) 845-3706; or (734) 417-6260. To track events as they happen, visit the Games Web site at www.wheelchairgames.va.gov.

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