Wheelchair Athletes Mentor The Next Generation at Philadelphia Event
By John McDevitt
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The 34th annual National Veterans Wheelchair Games is being held this week in Philadelphia and New Jersey.
And today, a special kids' day was held in which children with physical disabilities participated in sporting events.
Twenty-two little champions, ages 4 to 16, all in wheelchairs, gave it their all today at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, in events such as tee-ball, basketball, and slalom.
Each child was paired with a military veteran wheelchair athlete who mentored them through the event.
"It just makes me feel really happy, and I have been just non-stop smiling," said one of the participants, 11-year-old Sarah Brandle, of Johnstown, Pa.
Her mentor, Judy Overholt, of Myrtle Beach, SC, is also happy to be taking part.
"They get self-esteem, they build their confidence, they feel like they are a part of a team," she tells KYW Newsradio. "And I don't know if they have this on the outside, but here, we are all one."
Each child get a medal presented by his or her mentor at the end of the event.
This is the 14th year that the National Veterans Wheelchair Games hosted kids' day.
