IWAAs mission is to increase interest and participation in wheelchair sports and to provide information and support to disabled individuals and their families. This includes helping newly injured individuals accept their disability post trauma; helping family members accept the change in their loved ones and ultimately enhancing the disabled to live full and productive lives.

Independent Wheelchair Athletic Association (IWAA) was organized in the spring of 1973, by seven enthusiastic wheelchair athletes. These veterans met while undergoing physical rehabilitation at the Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center in Richmond, Virginia.

As their first competitive endeavor, the newly established IWAA team entered the Virginia Wheelchair Games and won 14 awards. In 1980, fourteen athletes captured 38 awards in archery, billiards, bowling, chess, swimming, table tennis, track & field, and weight lifting.

Today, more than sixty wheelchair athletes belong to IWAA. Among this group are junior athletes, ranging from ages 4 to 18. These enthusiastic youths pursue wheelchair sports with the same spirit shared by the adult members. Affiliate members have also joined to show their support.

IWAA members have competed on national and international levels, gaining recognition for their athleticism.

Every year members of IWAA compete in local, state, regional, national and international events. Wheelchair athletes participate in air-rifle, archery, basketball, billiards, bowling, quad rugby, skiing, swimming, track & field, weight lifting and many more events.

• A few examples:
• National Amputee Games Transplant Games
• National Veterans Wheelchair Games
• National Wheelchair Bowling Tournament
• International Games
• Paralympic Games

IWAA athletes diligently, practice and work together to prepare for competitions. The greatest reward for the athletes are knowing that they have helped fellow IWAA members achieve personal satisfaction through positive involvement in wheelchair sports as a challenging and enriching experience.

IWAA advocates increased public awareness of the capabilities of individuals who use wheelchairs for mobility.

Members provide wheelchair clinics and sports demonstrations to clubs, schools, and civic organizations. Annual participation in area parades and special events also increase visibility of the organization.

Each year IWAA strives to assist their members in attending several events of their choice. Among this sponsorship is support of the Richmond Rimrider Basketball Team, sending juniors to the Rainbow Games, and the Mid-Atlantic Games in Fisherville. And bowlers who travel all over the United States to participate in different tournaments.

IWAA is a non-profit organization, supported by their own fund-raising projects and contributions of citizens and local businesses. 100% of all donated funds are applied exclusively toward wheelchair sports so that all IWAA members are given the opportunity to realize their fullest potential.

Independent Wheelchair Athletic Association wishes to acknowledge and thank the many businesses, civic clubs, service organizations and concerned citizens who have supported our endeavors through the years.

Cost is $4 a year for members and $3 a year for affiliates or $40 lifetime for members and $35 lifetime for affiliates.

IWAA meets every first Monday of the month unless it is a holiday at the McGuire VA Medical Center in Richmond, VA. If it is a holiday, we meet on the second Monday of the month. All meetings begin promptly at 7pm. There is no meeting during the month of December.

Meeting Location:

Hunter Holmes McGuire Veterans Affairs Medical Center

1201 Broad Rock Boulevard, Richmond, VA 23249‎ - (804) 675-5000‎