Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), Great Plains is a non-profit organization that has dedicated over 46 years to helping paralyzed veterans and their families, as well as other children and adults with disabilities. They have their hand in advocating for solutions that afford equal opportunities for paralyzed veterans and other citizens living with disabilities, as well as effective healthcare for veterans living with a spinal cord injury or disease. Along with being a voice in legislation, Great Plains PVA is on the ground helping provide necessary resources such as handicapped accessible apartment complexes located across Nebraska as well as the one-of-a-kind Great Plains PVA Adapted Health & Fitness Center with individualized training programs.

Below we have listed other great programs the organization offers:

Wheelchair Bowling Leagues

The organization has 3 leagues that meet weekly for 16 weeks twice a year.  Participants do not have to be a veteran but must use a wheelchair to bowl.  All skill levels are welcome, and ramps are provided by the bowling alleys if needed.  These are USBC sanctioned leagues and there are opportunities to compete in local and regional tournaments. Leagues meet in the afternoons on:

  • Mondays at Thunderbowl, Council Bluffs
  • Tuesdays at Mockingbird Lanes, Omaha
  • Fridays at Sun Valley Lanes, Lincoln

Youth Summer Art Camp

This camp is offered each summer for youth ages 6 and up who have a physical disability or whose parent is a Paralyzed Veterans of America member.  Campers come Monday through Friday from 9am-12pm each day and work on approximately 5 different projects each day.  They have the opportunity to explore different art media and get to show off their work in a mini art show on Friday.  All projects go home with the campers, with the exception of 1 collaborative piece that remains on display in the chapter office.

Power Soccer

This exciting new program will start in February 2020!  Practices will be held on Tuesday evenings in the gymnasium at the chapter building.  This program is open to youth and adults who use a power chair, regardless of veteran status.

Air Rifle Postal Match

The chapter is excited to be part of a new pilot program of PVA National.  PVA members can participate in an air rifle competition, in which their targets are mailed to the National office and scored against those from other chapters across the country.  The chapter looks forward to hosting these tournaments in January, March, and June of 2020.

Adapted Crossfit

People who have a physical disability, regardless of veteran status, and who have a signed doctor’s release, are eligible to train one-on-one with the Sports Director in the  Adapted Health and Fitness Center located within their office building. The equipment is adaptable for people who use wheelchairs, as well as people who are ambulatory. The Sports Director uses a Crossfit style of exercise and adapts it to fit the abilities of these clients. This approach allows for measurable goals and outcomes, and helps improve clients’ strength, endurance, independence, and overall quality of life. Fitness times are by appointment only and must be scheduled in advance.

Great Plains Communications is  honored to be able to support such an impactful and incredible organization. If you would like to learn more about Paralyzed Veterans of America, Great Plains Chapter or how you can give, visit their website at https://www.greatplainspva.org/site/.

Pin It on Pinterest