Jim Riemer

Navy Veteran
59 years old
Butler, Pennsylvania 

For some, the National Veterans Wheelchair Games are about finding common ground. They present a unique opportunity to meet up with other paralyzed Veterans and enjoy healthy competition with one another. This camaraderie creates special relationships that can last a lifetime.     

Jim Riemer has competed in the Games 11 times. His very first time participating was in Pittsburgh in 1988.  This year, as the Games return to Pittsburgh, Riemer, a member of the Keystone Chapter of the Paralyzed Veterans of America, is coordinating a few events.

Like most other Games athletes, Riemer stays active by participating in wheelchair leagues for various sports. He feels it is important to live a healthy, full life, “you have to keep going” he says. Years ago, he was competing in nine-ball and thought he had been eliminated. He was about to return to the hotel when he found out that it was double elimination. Riemer ended up winning the bronze medal. 

Riemer looks forward to competing in ramp bowling, air rifles and slalom this year. He knows that the Games will bring a lot of familiar faces, but he looks most forward to welcoming some new faces to Pittsburgh. “You never know when you will make a friend who changes your life.”  Competing in the National Veterans Wheelchair Games together is the best foundation he can imagine building such a friendship on.