Putnam man wins silver in National Veterans Wheelchair Games - WOWK 13 Charleston, Huntington WV News, Weather, Sports

George Jackson of Winfield is a man on a mission.  He's training for next year's National Veterans Wheelchair Games in Tampa after winning a silver medal in hand-cycling at this year's games in Richmond.

"To see all these veterans do all these different kind of events at different ages was really surprising for me and to see so many people," said Jackson.

It was Jackson's first time taking part in the National Veterans Wheelchair Games, entering only one event.  He has been riding hand-cycles for about a year, training in his house and riding the nearby hillsides. 

"The only difficulty is getting on and off cause you almost have to lie down to get on because the back is so low," said Jackson.

Jackson lost his right leg in a mortar attack during the Vietnam War, but he didn't let that stop him from being active.  He hopes his participation in the wheelchair games inspires other vets not to let their injuries stop them from accomplishing great things.

"It's really nice to be aware of things you can do in a wheelchair," said Jackson.

Next for Jackson is riding his hand-cycle in a Veterans Day race in Wheeling, but for now he's focusing on the Tampa games next year where he plans to enter ten events. 

If you think he will then be finished with competition think again.  Jackson already has his sights set on the 2014 National Veterans Wheelchair Games in Reno. Nevada. 

Jackson said the double-amputee Olympic Athlete from South Africa participating the Summer Olympics in London is an inspiration to him to continue participating in competitions.