Photo By Joseph Rivera Rebolledo | Participants of the 35th National Veterans Wheelchair Games representing Puerto Rico...... read more read more
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – For generations the word courage has been associated to fearless Soldiers fighting combatants in the battlefield, individuals standing-up for themselves in the face of danger or in sports by having athletes facing much bigger opponents inside a ring like gladiators.
However, for a group of 14 veterans, residents of Puerto Rico and patients of the VA Caribbean Healthcare System (VACHS), along with 600 other competitors from three different countries, the word courage has a different meaning, as it did during the 35th National Veterans Wheelchair Games celebrated at Dallas from June 21 to June 26.
To these veterans, the word courage is more than what’s being said, to them it means waking up every morning, looking at themselves in the mirror and understanding that they are different from the majority of the population, that they are disabled veterans.
“These veterans are facing challenges since the moment they wake up, to taking a bath, and putting on their prosthesis,” said Pedro Just, spinal cord physical therapist at the VACHS.
According to Just, it requires courage to tackle these challenges, especially during a national competition in which the veterans confront their fears and demonstrate to others that the biggest obstacle in life can be the limitations we impose on ourselves.
“Being here is a challenge, a challenge that requires courage to move on in life. It is unfortunate, but people that are not familiarized with disabled people tend to see us differently,” said Veteran Margarita Hernandez Ortiz, a Manati, Puerto Rico native.
“It is a wonderful thing to come across with people that are in the same conditions, some in conditions a bit harder and see each other as equal. Being here and see them competing makes me realize there are no obstacles in life,” said Hernandez.
Even though they might have a disability, it does not mean their lives or their chances at practicing sports at a competitive level are over. This was proven at the 35th National Veterans Wheelchair Games celebrated at Dallas by achieving 40 medals.
According to Hernandez, who finished the games with three gold and two silver medals, the games offer disabled Veterans the opportunity to see and understand that there is a world of opportunities out there waiting for them and that all they need to do is embrace them.
As a token of appreciation to the efforts and achievements, the VACHS Deputy Director, Nayda Ramirez, along with spinal cord injury staff, recognized the team on July 23, at the San Juan Medical Center and presented each member with individual certificates of recognition.
“I am privileged to work with this group. They truly exemplify the meaning of the word courage,” said Just.
| Date Taken: | 07.27.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 07.27.2015 17:23 |
| Story ID: | 171261 |
| Location: | SAN JUAN, PR |
| Web Views: | 102 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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