The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center in Milwaukee and the Wisconsin Chapter of the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) announced that Harley-Davidson Motor Company, through a $25,000 donation, will be a major corporate underwriter for the 27th National Veterans Wheelchair Games.

"Harley-Davidson has a long-standing relationship with the military, and veterans have always been important members of our family. We are pleased to support the 27th National Veterans Wheelchair Games," said Mary Anne Martiny, manager of the Harley-Davidson Foundation.

Phil Rosenberg, Wisconsin PVA chapter president added, "WPVA is highly gratified to have Harley-Davidson Motor Company sign on as a local sponsor for the Games. What a perfect match: America's military veterans joining forces with Harley-Davidson, a universally recognized icon of American pride and ingenuity."

VA Medical Center Director Glen W. Grippen was equally impressed: "Harley-Davidson is a part of the fabric of Americana that veterans built. We are grateful for their support."

The Games will be held in Milwaukee from June 19-23, 2007 and are the largest annual wheelchair athletic event in the world, attracting teams from nearly all 50 states as well as from Puerto Rico and Great Britain. The 16 sports venues will be held throughout the metropolitan area, with the Games headquartered at the Midwest Airlines Center.

During the upcoming year, Harley-Davidson will be working with Games organizers from the VA Medical Center and the Wisconsin Chapter of PVA to raise awareness of the upcoming Games and encourage the community to embrace this opportunity to salute America's veterans.

The 2006 National Veterans Wheelchair Games were held in Anchorage, Alaska. More than 500 athletes attended including 17 wheelchair athletes from Wisconsin who won 54 medals at the week-long competition.

The National Veterans Wheelchair Games are presented each year by the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Paralyzed Veterans of America. Local hosts this year are the Milwaukee VA Medical Center and the Wisconsin PVA Chapter.