USF Nursing Volunteers at the World’s Largest Veterans Wheelchair Games

University of South Florida College of Nursing faculty, staff, and students will volunteer at the 33^rd Annual National Veterans Wheelchair Games at the Tampa Convention Center in Tampa, Fla., July 13 through July 18, 2013.

The Annual National Veterans Wheelchair Games, sponsored by the Paralyzed Veterans of America (Paralyzed Veterans) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), is the largest wheelchair sporting event in the world. USF College of Nursing Military Liaison, Instructor and Coordinator of Graduate Simulation, Alicia Rossiter, MSN, ARNP, FNP, PNP-BC, has encouraged everyone at the College to participate in what she called a “life changing event.”

“The USF College of Nursing is proud to have so many students, staff, and faculty volunteering for this amazing event,” Rossiter said.  “Our College has a longstanding commitment to our military and veteran population.  Our participation to this event would be another perfect way to show our commitment to our Nation’s heroes. I guarantee that this will be an amazing event and an experience you will never forget.”

During the event, faculty, staff, and students will volunteer at least one four-hour shift in various positions including hospitality, warehouse, transportation, meal and water distribution, and ice and towels supply during sporting events. All registered volunteers will receive a free meal and t-shirt.

According to the Paralyzed Veterans’ website, disabled veterans compete against their peers in many games including archery, basketball, bowling, nine ball, power soccer, quad rugby, softball, and swimming. More than 600 disabled veterans from around the country are being expected to participate at the event.

The USF College of Nursing has constantly shown support for veterans, service members and their families. The College has created initiatives such as RESTORE LIVES: Education and Research to Rehabilitate and Restore the Lives of Veterans, Service Members, and their Families, which helps develop life enhancing treatments through nursing research, and educates nurses with the knowledge and skills specific to the needs of treating veterans and service members.

 -RESTORE LIVES at USF Nursing-

Through ‘RESTORE LIVES: Education and Research to Rehabilitate and Restore the Lives of Veterans, Service Members, and their Families,’ USF College of Nursing faculty develop life enhancing treatments through nursing research, and educate nurses with the knowledge and skills specific to the needs of treating veterans and service members with innovative solutions, and conduct research specific to veteran and military health issues through training nursing leaders within military, and educating nurses at all levels in the special needs of the military, veterans and their families. For more information on RESTORE LIVES or the other priorities  at the USF College of Nursing visit  health.usf.edu/nursing/priorities