Spinal Injury Games are Saturday

DOWNEY - Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center is hosting its annual Spinal Injury Games this Saturday.

The event begins with a welcome ceremony at 8:45 a.m. Admission is free and the public is invited.

The full schedule of events is below:

10 a.m. - noon: bowling, golf, football accuracy throw and hockey shot

10-11 a.m.: quad rugby

11 a.m. - noon: power soccer and baseball

11-11:30 a.m.: Rancho Re-Walk exoskeleton demo and paragolfer demo

12-1 p.m.: kids sports demo and lunch

1-2 p.m.: obstacle course

2-3 p.m.: football and tennis

Members of the Los Angeles Dodgers organization will be in attendance singing autographs, and the L.A. Kings Ice Crew and Galaxy Star Squad will be giving out prizes and chances to win autographed merchandise.

The Spinal Injury Games are an annual event where Rancho patients are introduced to innovative adaptive sports equipment.

It also allows beginning wheelchair users to get active.

"It is always so encouraging to see our patients demonstrating that they can participate in a variety of sports in their wheelchairs and be competitive with others, something that many did not think they would be ever able to do," said Rancho CEO Jorge Orozco. "Thanks to the Rancho medical and therapy staff, the Spinal Injury Games allows them to exceed their expectations and experiences."

********** Published: Oct. 10, 2013 - Volume 12 - Issue 26