SAN ANTONIO — The Texas chapter of the Paralyzed Veterans of America competed in their first bowling tournament on Wednesday. Though there was a deeper meaning behind the tournament that’s worth more than any prize.
Gil Garcia has been a member of the Paralyzed Veterans of America for more than three decades.
“For serving, it’s pretty much you get the same feeling when we play,” Garcia said. “Or we compete.”
Garcia is a Gulf War Vet and served in the U.S. Army from 1988 to 1993. His favorite title is being a mentor.
“One thing you’re gonna get here is you’re gonna get a lot of encouragement and you’re gonna get a lot of positive feedback," Garcia said. "To help someone else that’s there to make them feel comfortable and get them a little out of their comfort zone if that’s my world intention, then so be it."
Jose Laguna is the sports coordinator for Paralyzed Veterans of America.
“They have taught me more about how to live than I would have ever thought,” Laguna said. “We have a person today whose never bowled in his life. He’s in a wheelchair, and for him to have this lifetime skill, that means that he can come back, bring his family and bowl with them.”
Winning first place in the tournament in the adapted class is Daniel Castillo.
“We’re very fortunate here in San Antonio, which is Military City USA, that they offer so many sport activities," he said.
Castillo served in the U.S. Army from 1982 to 1988.
“It gives you a better quality of life," Castillo said. "You get to go out and see your friends. You develop friendships.“
Garcia echoes Castillo's thoughts.
"The mission is to promote adoptive sports, whether it be leisure or recreational or if you really want to get serious and be a serious athlete like a Paralympic athlete,” Garcia said.