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Local Army Veteran Prepares To Compete In National Wheelchair Games
By: WOUB Staff Writer
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After more than 30 years of competing in wheelchair games, Army Veteran Roy Nungester, 67, of Circleville, is preparing to add to his medal collection at this summer's National Wheelchair Games.
But while Nungester prepares for his trip, the Chillicothe Veteran Affairs Medical Center says it is having problems raising the funds needed to send Nungester and other local veterans to the games.
"Originally we were around $10,000 short," said 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 says he will be competing in a variety of events, including air rifle and tap 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 events this year.
"When I'm competing, it's winning. You know? If some of them are in my class, I'm there to beat them. You know, that might be a little bit selfish but if God gives me the strength to do it another year, I'm out there to win, put another medal on the wall," said Nungester.
"Every event Roy can do, he's in them," said Wrightsel.
Wrightsel said Nungester is known for his success in archery and is viewed as "a local legend."
"He can split an arrow at 100 feet with a bare bow," he said.
A shoulder injury and triple bypass surgery prevented the Vietnam veteran from missing a few years of the competition, but he says he's ready to come back strong this year.
"The good Lord got me back on the horse and got me back in the saddle again, so I'm looking forward to the Nationals again this year," Nungester said.