Veterans find strength at National Veterans Wheelchair Games

Through adaptive sports, South Texas Veterans found healing, camaraderie and a reason to keep competing

When 61-year-old Veteran Clinton Crumpton received his championship medal, he was wearing what he called “a new body.” Crumpton was one of 24 South Texas Veterans Healthcare System (STVHCS) Veterans who competed in the National Veterans Wheelchair Games (NVWG) in Detroit.

Crumpton, a Cold War-era Army signalman, had lived a paralysis-free life even after surviving the 1986 bombing at the La Belle discotheque near his duty station in West Berlin, Germany. However, everything changed this April.

“I told everybody at the Audie L. Murphy Memorial Hospital that I was going to walk out of there,” Crumpton recalled during a phone interview. A potentially life-threatening spinal condition had left him paralyzed, resulting in an urgent hospitalization.

Finding purpose through adaptive sports

Recently, Crumpton joined thousands of Veterans participating in VA’s National Veterans Sports Programs and Special Events. For each patient, VA’s Adaptive Sports and Arts program is a stepping stone toward rewarding and life-changing opportunities.

“Life’s not over—I just got a new body,” he said.

Support behind the scenes

At VA, an entire team of therapists and staff supports the NVWG, alongside its partner, Paralyzed Veterans of America. The Games have been running for 45 years, with no signs of slowing down.

This year, Crumpton kept his promise: He walked out of the hospital.

During the 2026 Games, he won two of the STVHCS Veterans’ impressive 66 medals.

Celebrating strength, resilience and community

The competitions cover a wide range of sports, including weightlifting, rugby, softball and many more. Crumpton praised the Games, his therapists and especially the fellowship of other Veterans. He hopes to participate every year for as long as possible.

“I am incredibly proud of our Veterans, not only those from South Texas Veterans Healthcare System who competed in the Wheelchair Games, but every Veteran who showcased their strength, resilience and determination,” said STVHCS Executive Director Dr. Julianne Flynn. “I’m equally grateful to our dedicated team, whose hard work helped make this possible. Thank you for representing us with such heart and excellence.”

Looking ahead: Orlando 2027 and Veteran camaraderie

In 2027, the NVWG heads to Orlando, Florida, where Crumpton may reunite with STVHCS patient Phil Schweizer, a regular competitor and former C-130 pilot. Today, Schweizer conquers roads on three wheels rather than in the cockpit.

“The National Veterans Wheelchair Games have been like a family,” said Schweizer during a phone interview.

Now 58, Schweizer has competed in four NVWG events. Like Crumpton, he was an athlete in his youth, playing college football at the Air Force Academy before a sports injury redirected his life. He graduated, was commissioned in 1991, and started pilot training, until a medical condition changed his course.

“I have a recurring condition that affects my spinal cord, and I’m still fighting it today,” he said.

Schweizer has supported medical research and the development of exoskeleton technology, and remains fully committed to the NVWG.

Schweizer, who won five medals this year, loves riding his hand bike across the country. He is often found cycling alongside his wife, Paula, a Veteran, nurse and cyclist, on their long-distance trips.

“It’s inspiring to meet other people facing the same challenges you face. You don’t know what you don’t know until you experience it,” Schweizer said.