COEUR d'ALENE - Don Waddell has a collection of 10 medals from the last three years of national wheelchair games.

He wants more.

The Coeur d'Alene man will compete in this year's National Veterans Wheelchair Games on June 25-30 in Richmond, Va.

Around 600 athletes are expected to take part in events that include wheelchair racing, hand cycling, weight lifting, obstacle course, soccer, basketball and baseball.

"It's an awesome thing," he said.

The 64-year-old plans to be on the leader board in his events, the 100 and 200 meter dashes, weight lifting, 10K and obstacle course.

At the wheelchair games in Spokane in 2009 and Denver last year, Waddell won two golds, two silvers and three bronze medals.

The Inland Northwest Disabled Veterans Sports Association is trying to raise about $7,000 with the Iron Paw Run on June 2 to send Waddell and six others to the games.

Waddell grew up in Coeur d'Alene and graduated from CHS in 1967. He joined the Army in 1968, served in Germany, and was discharged in 1970. In 1973, he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, and has been in a wheelchair since.

Waddell completed a training ride Wednesday morning with friend Gary Duvall, who has also participated in previous games, but can't afford to go this year.

Waddell works out twice a week with personal trainer Josh Queen.

"He'll kick your butt in 15 minutes," Waddell said, laughing.

He's also a common sight on the North Idaho Centennial Trail as he prepares for the games, which he loves.

"They're life-changing," he said. "They open your world."

How are you feeling as you prepare for the games?

Good. As good as I ever have.

Why are they important to you and other disabled veterans?

It opens an avenue for me as far as exercise, as far as what's out there. I had no idea people were doing all this stuff, so many events were available. Programs through the VA, the DAV, they take good care of us.

Do you do other sports?

I did the winter sports clinics this year. They teach you how to ski. They have 15 events there - kayaking, shooting, wall climbing, hockey. Just a variety of activities for people who don't stand and walk.

How did you get introduced to the wheelchair games?

They held it in Spokane. Our physical therapy section got a group together and they asked us if we wanted to participate.

None of us are young, but we all loved it. We never knew each other. Now, we know each other, we hang out. We've got bike rides planned, we have a shooting event that we're trying to be involved in.

What did the games do your for you mentally, physically?

It really broadened our horizon, physical activities, just hanging out with each other getting out in the community.

How often do you get out on the Centennial Trail for rides?

I like to come out here in the evening with my family. Give a ride to the grandkids. It's fun.

How long have you been in a wheelchair?

I've been in a wheelchair since 1973.

What happened?

They say I have MS. It was just over six months or so. I went downhill real fast. I have no use of my legs at all.

When did you notice something was wrong?

I just started losing sensation in my feet and lower extremities and went from not being able to run to not being able to walk within about five or six months. I took a round of steroids. I had a remission for about six months so I could walk with a cane and then back down to where I am now.

What was the transition like, going from being able to run and walk, to being in a wheelchair?

It was scary. It was hard. There were no books you could read or anything. The hospitals around here weren't geared for rehab or anything. So it's a lot of on your own living, just do what you can, day by day.

How did you get by?

Family. Family hung in there. Friends hung in there. Family and friends.

How you do feel about life today?

Fortunate. Life is good.