32ND NATIONAL VETERANS WHEELCHAIR GAMES. RICHMOND, VA
SUNDAY 24TH JUNE 2012
We all met at Gatwick, Emma had been busy, and presented everyone with a back pack containg a special hoodie, and lots of little Union Jack goodies, wrong way round really, it should have been her getting presents as it was her birthday. We eventually all got to Richmond after a long journey, US Air looked after us well, sadly Ian's chair arrived with all the battery leads disconnected, so had to be pushed. Andy Phillips rolled onto the concourse at Richmond Airport and couldn't see who all the cheering was for, no celebs in sight, and then realised that the Americans were cheering all the Athletes, awesome!
The Americans are well know for doing everything bigger and louder, and in this case they do it better than anyone else too! Everyone checked into hotels, a few sociable beers and some food, then off to bed for some well earned sleep.
MONDAY 25TH JUNE 2012
Remaining baggage has arrived, so at least we can get some clean clothes on! Registration and classifications today. Ed said "I always enjoy the registration and expo at the games, and this one did not disappoint, the American veterans are very well supported by their Government, business and public. During our time there, we as British veterans were afforded this support and treated as equals".
Slight hold up while a hurricane (Not Margaret) passed through the city. Turns out is was a Tornado! Ed, Maz, Brian and Margaret got caught up in it, but made it back to the hotel safely... JUST As just after entering, the hotels doors were blown off! We all went to the Opening ceremony and welcome meal, The Opening Ceremony was well supported by the public and television, the British team received what I thought was the longest applause, but I could be a little biased on this? Jim has hurt his eye and now wearing a patch, just need to find him a parrot! We are now all set and waiting for the competitions to start. Thank you to the PVA, VA, the city of Richmond and all the volunteers, it's great to have such a friendly welcome.
TUESDAY 26TH JUNE 2012
Early start for lots of us, the Bowling was cancelled, the Tornado has taken out the power at the Bowling alley! Main action of the day for the team was in 9 Ball Pool, Air Rifle, Table Tennis and Basketball. Ian managed to find some time to take in some of Richmond's history, especially the Hollywood Cemetery, with it's wonderful views over the James River and resting place of two United States Presidents, James Monroe and John Tyler, as well as the only Confederate States President, Jefferson Davis. It is also the resting place of 25 Confederate generals, more than any other cemetery in the country.
A few of the team went for a quiet meal in Penny Lane, an English theme pub. We were accosted by the officials from Tampa, Florida, next years hosts, who insisted we join them for a drink. Good evening all round, we think the Tampa guys had a few sore heads in the morning, those rumours about the Brits liking a drink are well founded!
WEDNESDAY 27TH JUNE 2012
Theres a theme starting here, more early starts. Air Rifle, Bowling, Table Tennis, Basketball and Softball. It was also Kids day, Jacko managed to pop in quickly, but regrettably couldn't stay as long as he'd have liked as he had a Softball game to play, we know that as usual though, he was a big hit with the Kid's and made many new friends. Those of us scheduled for bowling yesterday had to find time to get to the Alley to have our games.
Early evening, the Americans had laid on a Block party at the Richmond Science Museum. Great food, and a superb band, Ian and Bev were seen strutting their stuff and pulling a few moves on the dance floor.
THURSDAY 28TH JUNE 2012
Air rifle, Archery, Basketball, Nine Ball and Table Tennis today, and yes, more 5am alarm calls. Good day at the Archery, very hot, but little wind. Andy Phillips was easily spotted as a first time Archer, after having one of the officials take off his glove and place it on the correct way round! Still, considering the bow he was given had no sights and arrows like dog legs he was very pleased with 4th place in class. Jim did superbly well, winning a gold. At the Convention Centre, Ian was enjoying himself in the Nine Ball, clearing his way to a well earned Gold Medal.
The afternoon saw a lot of the team competing in the Convention Centre, Ian was this time playing Table Tennis, but the result was the same winning his second Gold of the day! Many of the rest of us were playing Nine Ball, everyone had a good time and enjoyed the competition, and we walked off with another 2 golds, 1 Silver and a Bronze. Evening saw Jacko and John in the Basketball, sadly for Jacko, a few of his team mates failed to show up, so his team were short handed and tired, but he still enjoyed it. John's team faired better, and won a well deserved Bronze.
FRIDAY 29TH JUNE 2012
Early starts again, and we have to look at Jacko on the front page of the River City News, not what you want with breakfast...
Really hot out on the track and field events, but again, a very good performance by the BEWSA team, with Golds for Jim and Emma. Evening session was in the Pool, with all hopes on Richard Heather, as Andrew McErlean had to withdraw due to an injury, but despite his nerves, Richard lived up to his nickname 'Flipper' and won himself 2 golds, which he was very pleased with.
SATURDAY 30TH JUNE 2012
Many of the team spent the morning watching the Super G as well as collecting medals and packing our bags.
We can't find Emma, and it's nearly time for the closing Ceremony! Panic over, she decided to get a tattoo, and then fell asleep on the Tattooists Chair and he didn't want to disturb her.... Ah, Bless!!!!
The Closing Ceremony and handing over of the flame to next year’s hosts achieved its aim. Once again though, the weather turned and we are all stuck in the Convention Centre after the Ceremony while another Hurricane blows through, BEWSA made it's 25th Anniversary Presentation's, one to Paralyzed Veterans of America's National President Bill Lawson and the other to the VA representative who will be placing his award in his office in Washington DC. Our Endeavor award went to the Athletes of Richmond VA, in recognition of what they started.
SUNDAY 1ST JULY 2012
After a few panics over the possibility of flights being cancelled, we all made it onto the same flight back to the UK, arriving very tired, but with happy memories of a good weeks competition and socialising. We all came back with the same thought, bring on Tampa!
After thoughts on this years games
Competition was again of a high standard, especially with this being the year of the Paralympic games, couple this with high temperatures and humidity, made it a very interesting competition for us Brits. The team up held the tradition of returning to the UK with a good tally of medals, and we all supported each other well.
Richmond had many historic places to visit, given its prominence during the fight for independence and the civil war, lots of big shopping Malls on the outskirts of the city, unfortunately lack of transport and distance made any visits unlikely for most of us, but all in all Richmond did any excellent job hosting this year’s games and can be very proud of their efforts and sporting venues.