Orlando has been selected to host the National Veterans Wheelchair Games, officials announced Friday — a move expected to bring more than $4 million in economic impact to the region.

The games — to be held July 29 to August 4, 2018 — will attract an estimated 600 athletes and 4,000 volunteers, organizers said, and are the largest annual wheelchair sports event in the world.

“We hope to provide an introduction for veterans to the power that sports can have in healing,” said Orlando VA Medical Center Director Tim Liezert. “...We are not defined by our physical or mental limitations. All it takes is the courage to make that first effort.”

The medical center and the Central Florida Chapter of the Paralyzed Veterans of America, the officials hosts, are partnering with the city of Orlando, Orange County and Central Florida Sports Commission on the effort. The 38th annual games will be played at multiple facilities throughout the Greater Orlando area.

Employees of the State Attorney's Office in Orlando went to a bachelorette party in New Orleans where someone bought a rubber ducky that contained cocaine.

Employees of the State Attorney's Office in Orlando went to a bachelorette party in New Orleans where someone bought a rubber ducky that contained cocaine.

Employees of the State Attorney's Office in Orlando went to a bachelorette party in New Orleans where someone bought a rubber ducky that contained cocaine.

Employees of the State Attorney's Office in Orlando went to a bachelorette party in New Orleans where someone bought a rubber ducky that contained cocaine.

Orlando-area McDonald’s are undergoing an aggressive revamp to modernize the region’s 195 fast-food restaurants.

Orlando-area McDonald’s are undergoing an aggressive revamp to modernize the region’s 195 fast-food restaurants.

Disney has added a VIP tour to its lineup, focusing on at least 10 classic attractions inside Magic Kingdom.

Disney has added a VIP tour to its lineup, focusing on at least 10 classic attractions inside Magic Kingdom.

Lieutenant Jason Martin Bender, of the Seminole County Sheriff's Office, is charged with grand theft and has resigned from his position after stealing more than 500 pain pills from evidence.

Lieutenant Jason Martin Bender, of the Seminole County Sheriff's Office, is charged with grand theft and has resigned from his position after stealing more than 500 pain pills from evidence.

WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony takes place March 30th - Arpril 2nd at the Orange Covnention Center. WrestleMania 33, Arpil 2nd at Camping World Stadium. Tickets: Ticketmaster.

WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony takes place March 30th - Arpril 2nd at the Orange Covnention Center. WrestleMania 33, Arpil 2nd at Camping World Stadium. Tickets: Ticketmaster.

The Games serve as a rehabilitation and sports program for veterans with spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, amputations and other neurological injuries.

Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer said city officials are “thrilled” at the selection.

“Not only is Orlando quickly becoming the nation's premier sporting event destination, we're also a veteran-friendly community that values the men and women who have served our country," he said. “We're ready to support these heroes when they compete in Orlando."

Over the years, the Games have produced a number of national and world-class champions, but they also provide an opportunity for newly disabled veterans to get involved. Typically, a quarter of the competitors are first-timers.

The athletes will compete in 19 sports, including swimming, table tennis, weightlifting, archery, basketball, a motorized wheelchair rally and track and field. In all events, athletes compete against others with similar athletic ability, competitive experience or age.

ksantich@orlandosentinel.com or 407-420-5503. Follow Kate at @katesantich

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