The Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), Buckeye Chapter, recently hosted the 2026 Buckeye Wheelchair Games at the Spire Athletic Academy in Geneva, Ohio. Held from April 23 to April 25, the competition drew U.S. military veteran and non-veteran athletes from across the state. Competitors of all backgrounds showcased their precision and athleticism across a variety of events, turning the weekend into a high-energy display of skill, timing, and determination. The 2026 Games featured a diverse lineup of events, including:
- Precision Sports: Air Rifle, Archery, Billiards, and Boccia.
- Strength & Speed: Track and Field, Weightlifting, and Swimming.
- Skill & Agility: Wheelchair Slalom, Table Tennis, and Bowling.
- New Additions: Recent years have also seen the inclusion of growing sports like Pickleball, further expanding the opportunities for athletes to test their limits.
Metrohealth was able to field a group of players who have received services for spinal cord injuries. Through rehabilitation and perseverance, a dedicated cohort from MetroHealth arrived. These athletes—William Baker, Donald “Scooter” Renninger, Dale Seibel, and Don Johnston—represent more than just a sports team; they are a testament to the power of rehabilitation and learned independence. Having all received services for spinal cord injuries at MetroHealth, these men have spent months, and in some cases years, reclaiming their strength, mobility, and balance. The Buckeye Wheelchair Games served as the perfect stage for them to demonstrate that they are not just capable of independence, but are strong enough to hold their own as fierce competitors.
While the group united on the Pickleball court—mastering the strategy and quick-fire timing that has made it one of the fastest-growing adaptive sports—their competitive spirit didn’t stop there. Each athlete also branched out to challenge themselves in a wide array of individual events that tested their raw power and technical skill.
From the high-stakes precision of the manual wheelchair slalom to the explosive speed of the 60 and 100-meter dashes, these men proved their versatility. On the field, they showcased their strength in weightlifting, javelin, and discus throwing, while shifting gears for the rapid-fire reflexes required in table tennis and the precision skills of Billiards. Across every venue at the Spire Academy, Will, “Scooter,” Dale, and Don demonstrated the true meaning of athletic endurance.
Some of the highlights for the Fab 4’s results include:
- Will Baker, Pickleball Bronze Medal 3rd Place; 100 Meter Dash Gold Medal 1st Place; Billiards Silver Medal 2nd Place; Javelin Gold Medal 1st Place
- Dale Seibel, Pickleball Silver Medal 2nd Place, 60 Meter Dash Silver Medal 2nd Place, 100 Meter Dash Bronze Medal 3rd Place, Discus Gold Medal, 1st Place, Table Tennis Doubles, Gold Medal 1st Place
- Donald “Scooter” Renninger, Pickleball Bronze Medal 3rd Place, 60 Meters Dash Gold Medal 1st Place, Powerlift Press 160lbs. Gold Medal 1st Place, Manual Wheelchair Slalom Silver Medal 2nd Place
- Don Johnston, Table Tennis Doubles Gold medal 1st Place, Pickleball, Silver 2nd Place, Manual Wheelchair Slalom, 3rd Place
The four men were honored to compete in the 2026 PVA Buckeye Games. Competing alongside and against other men and women athletes who gave their all for our country. The “Fab Four” entered many other events and played top-notch, representing Metrohealth and its standards of excellence. All of the players had a great time and are looking forward to the Buckeye PVA games in 2027.
