This and other photos show last year's attendees of the "Their Spirit Inspires" sports camp in Sacramento. They played wheelchair baseball, water skied, golfed, rafted and gave interviews with local Sacramento news organizations (ACRA Channel 3).The camp for recently disabled U.S. veterans of the War in Iraq, aims to inspire its attendees and also honors them for their service and sacrafice to the country with a dinner. The event is set for June 18-20 in Sacramento. Tickets to the June 20 dinner are $100 and can be purchased online at www.disabledsports.net. See telephone contact information below the story. Photo by: Courtesy to the Ledger Dispatch

Disabled Sports USA Far West is hosting a three-day sports camp for 15 California soldiers who were disabled while serving in the Iraq War, with the camp culminating in a tribute dinner in their honor.

"Their Spirit Inspires," the camp is set for June 18-20 in Sacramento will host California soldiers disabled during service to "find hope and independence through sports programs," said Far West's Matt Strugar-Fritsch.

The 15 soldiers will participate in sporting activities and spend a week in Sacramento "learning how sports can help them cope with their disabilities and adapt to everyday life," Strugar-Fritsch said.

"For the third year, Disabled Sports USA Far West is bringing the soldiers together with veteran mentors to show them how to continue to be active through golfing, water-skiing, whitewater rafting, handcycling and wheelchair softball," he said. "The week will culminate in an inspirational dinner to honor the soldiers' sacrifices for our nation."

Far West said participation in sports rehabilitation programs has long been recognized as being a powerful catalyst in the development of a positive self image and achieving attitude for people with disabilities. And through the camp, the soldiers will gain specific skills that will increase their self-confidence and mobility.

In addition to the disabled veterans sports camp, Disabled Sports works with more than 800 local children and adults with disabilities through adaptive sports and therapeutic recreation programs each year.

Disabled Sports USA Far West is the founding chapter of the national organization, Disabled Sports USA. Far West has led the way in adaptive sports and recreation for people with disabilities for more than 40 years. With more than 90 chapters serving more than 60,000 people nationwide. DSUSA is the country's largest nonprofit, multi-sport and multi-disability organization.

This year's "Their Spirit Inspires" dinner will be held Friday, June 20 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, Sacramento.

"The evening is sure to be memorable as we honor men and women recently injured in Iraq by highlighting the role sports rehabilitation plays in their recovery and adjustment to their disabilities," Strugar-Fritsch said.

Proceeds from this event will enable Disabled Sports to continue to provide sports rehabilitation and therapeutic recreation programs to anyone with any disability.

Tickets to the Friday, June 20 dinner are $100 and can be purchased online at www.disabledsports.net. Reserved VIP tables for 10 are available for $1,000. For more information about table sales, contact Doug Pringle at (916) 722-6447.