Milwaukee's first adaptive sports boot camp prepares athletes for National Veteran Wheelchair Games

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Paralyzed Veterans of America hosted its first adaptive sports boot camp in the Milwaukee area this week. 

The event runs Monday, May 16 through Wednesday, May 18. Veterans are able to practice a variety of wheelchair games -- from a timed obstacle course to basketball. 

Some of the veterans showed up for competitive fun and others are preparing for the National Veteran Wheelchair Games that take place in Arizona this July. 

"I absolutely enjoy it. It brought me back to a different area in my life where I used to be depressed, and being able to have this is just fun," said LeToi Adams. "It's another way of life. When I first became paralyzed I thought I would never be able to compete or do different sports."

Adams plays wheelchair basketball at UW Whitewater, and she loves to get out on the court and play competitively while also bonding with some other veterans. 

"It's between gritty and everyday life," said Adams of the obstacle course. 

Vets are timed going through a course that requires them to open a door, navigate through ropes on the ground and, at times, maneuver  backwards. 

The veterans, each with varying skill levels, will challenge their mental and physical strength while making new friends.