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Veterans Head To National Wheelchair Games
By: Kerry Crump
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After more than 30 years of competing in wheelchair games, Army Veteran Roy Nungester, of Circleville, is preparing to add to his medal collection at this summer's National Wheelchair Games.
In an on-going economic downturn, the Chillicothe Veteran Affairs Medical Center is having problems raising the funds needed to send Nungester and other local veterans to the games.
"Originally, we were around $10,000 short," says Joe Wrightsel, a friend of Nungester and fellow games participant. "I don't know where we're at now because we've been getting some donations."
Wrightsel will be competing in a variety of events including air rifle and trap shooting, which he took home a silver medal in last year.
Nungester, who has won more than 2,000 medals in a number of wheelchair games, will be competing in the shot put and javelin.
"Every event Roy can do, he's in them," said Wrightsel.
Nungester is known for his success in archery, and is seen as "a local legend with us," according to Wrightsel. "He can split an arrow at 100 feet with a bare bow."
A shoulder injury from previously competing in weight lifting will keep Nungester from competing in archery events at the upcoming national competition.
The Chillicothe VA is taking donations to help support the veterans trip.