DME manufacturer Invacare Corp. was the proud sponsor of the Paralyzed Veterans of America Buckeye Wheelchair Games. More than 40 veterans from Ohio and Pennsylvania came to compete in the games, which were held May 2 to 3 at the Spire Institute in Geneva, Ohio. Events included archery, bowling, billiards, weightlifting, table tennis and track and field.
One of the Invacare-sponsored athletes competing in the event was U.S. Army veteran Holly Koester, who suffered a spinal chord injury in 1990. Soon after she began competing in National Veterans Wheelchair Games, and earned various medals. She also is the first person in a wheelchair to compete in marathons in all 50 states.
In addition to her athletic career, Koester works as a substitute teacher in Walton Hills, Ohio, and serves other Paralyzed Veterans’ members as the sports director for the Buckeye Chapter.
While her wheelchair games palmarès point to a storied career, Koester doesn’t take them too seriously.
“Even though I’m a competitive person, I’m just out there for the fun of it,” she explains.
In addition to backing the athletes, Invacare also hosted a booth at the event that was staffed by Stuart Cohen, National Account Manager for Invacare.