Wheelin' Sportsmen is the realization of founder Kirk Thomas, a paraplegic who, along with NWTF volunteers is delivering, and in some 
cases, re-introducing activities such as hunting, fishing, boating, bird watching and much more to an international audience.
Thomas became involved with several disabled advocacy groups and was already aware of the many challenges people with disabilities faced, not just paralysis. One night in bed, the idea struck him to start a program to help people enjoy the outdoors, regardless of their limitations. If his friends had taken it upon themselves to get him back outside, surely there were plenty of others who would gladly help the nation's 55 million disabled individuals.
In 1996, Thomas created a group he called Wheelin' Sportsmen of America, which would host thousands of people with disabilities at catfish round-ups and similar fishing programs where able-bodied volunteers assisted participants. He did the same with hunting, hosting Does For Does and the Ultimate Team-Up, which also paired the able-bodied with the disabled for an Alabama white-tailed deer hunt.
His actions caught the NWTF's attention and in late 2000, Wheelin' Sportsmen became an official program of the Federation and was christened Wheelin' Sportsmen NWTF.
Many NWTF volunteers and chapters have already provided access and opportunities for disabled sportsmen and women. But through this program, it is predicted that not long from now, every state will host Wheelin' Sportsmen events with the same resounding success that JAKES and Women in the Outdoors events have enjoyed.
The Virginia State Chapter NWTF started its' Wheelin' Sportsmen program in 2002. The program has grown from one or two events annually to more than 30 events statewide for people with disabilities in 2009.
For more information on becoming involved in our program here in Virginia, please contact one of our Volunteer State Co-Coordinators.
Western Region
Gene Hayden 540-241-3502 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
OR
Eastern Region
Mike Deane 434-996-8508 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Upcoming Events
VAWS will again partner with Woodbrook Sports of Charlottesville for this hunt in Buckingham Co.-Applications for all Spring events will be available in early March. See Details
Butch Trinca Mem. Spring Gobbler hunt - 04/17/2010 @ 05:00 A.M.
The Central Va Chapter will host a spring gobbler hunt for hunters with disabilities in Albemarle Co., near Charlottesville.-Applications for all Spring events will be available in early March. See Details
James River Chapter Gene Parker Memorial - 04/24/2010 @ 05:00 A.M.
The James River Chapter will host their 5th annual spring gobbler hunt near Bedford. This memorial hunt is in honor of long-time Chapter guide, Gene Parker, who passed away recently from cancer. See Details
Articles
-
The 2010 Spring Newsletter is ready! Our Virginia Wheelin' Sportsmen Spring 2010 Newsletter is hot off the presses. Our Chapters have some exciting events planned for this spring, with four Spring Gobbler hunts and ....
-
First Bucks for Wheelin' Sportsmen Youth! Saturday Nov. 14th proved to be an exciting day for two of our younger Wheelin' Sportsmen members. Eight year-old Faith Campbell and 12 year-old Joseph Martin returned from their morning hunts sporting...
-
A bitter cold hunt at Marriott Ranch! By Tom Reese: I arose to a cold 2 degree, dark morning at 3:15, but no real wind thank the Lord! My spouse gathered necessary items (including a Stanley full of hot coffee...), and my son, Tom 3, prepped...
-
Little Switzerland Chapter holds Wheelin' event On Sunday June 7th, Wheelin' Sportsmen members enjoyed the first-ever Trout Rodeo outside Monterey, VA, hosted by the Little Switzerland Longbeards.
-
New Kent Forestry Center Caterpillar Gobbler On Saturday, May 2nd, 13 year old Blake Rush of Mechanicsville, harvested this nice gobbler during our New Kent Forestry Center Spring Gobbler Hunt.
- 1
- 2