DOWNEY - Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center will host its annual Spinal Injury Games on Friday, Oct. 8 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Jacquelin Perry Institute north parking lot at 7601 E. Imperial Hwy.The Spinal Injury Games are designed to provide patients the opportunity to experience a variety of wheelchair sports such as football, basketball, bowling, hockey, baseball, golf, power soccer and tennis. The championship Rancho Wheelchair Sports team will provide a basketball demonstration and the day will end with a fun and often competitive wheelchair race/sprint/obstacle course. The Spinal Injury Games are free to all participants. Registration is required for all participants and a t-shirt designed by one of Rancho's artists will be given to each registered person. There will be a special guest appearance by the Los Angeles Laker Girls with autograph pictures and photos with participants. "It is always encouraging to see individuals who have sustained a spinal cord injury, participate in a variety of sports and be competitive with others, something that many did not think they would ever be able to do. Thanks to the Rancho medical and therapy staff, the Spinal Injury Games allows them to believe that a bright and active future is possible," said Jorge Orozco, chief executive officer at Rancho. Patients and family members can experience a fun-filled and relaxing day with music, entertainment, information from various health care vendors and a chance to participate in wheelchair sports in a safe and supervised environment. For a registation form and information, go online to www.rancho.org.

********** Published: October 7, 2010 - Volume 9 - Issue 25