Finding ways to recover through adaptive sports

By Benny Ontiveros, William Beaumont Army Medical Center, Fort Bliss, Public AffairsMarch 7, 2016

Army Trials at Fort Bliss
U.S. Army Sgt. veteran Katie Kuiper, San Antonio, Texas, takes a practice run at the 2016 U.S. Army Trials track and field training session at Stout track, Fort Bliss, Texas, March 3. More than 100 wounded, ill and injured Soldiers and veterans are a... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT BLISS, TEXAS -- The military recognizes and provides great care for injured, ill or wounded service members. One of the supporting factors in the rehabilitation process is preparing Soldiers' transition back to civilian life and one wounded warrior is utilizing adaptive sports to move herself back to a normal lifestyle.

Sgt. 1st Class Katie Kuiper suffered a head injury that proved to be challenging for her but through the Army physical fitness and adaptive sports program, her goals are quickly being reached. Katie is participating in the 2016 Army Trials being held March 6-10, at Fort Bliss, Texas.

Katie is one of over 100 wounded, ill and injured Soldiers and veterans from across the country participating in events including shooting; swimming, archery, sitting volleyball, wheelchair basketball, track and field, and cycling.

Katie is involved in two scheduled training sessions but participated in the track practice on March 3 to "improve my running skills." she said.

Finding ways to recover from injuries is challenging for wounded service members and veterans but Katie focused her energy on running which will prepare her for her other favorite scheduled training session of cycling.

This year's Army trials is different for Katie as she is "happy to be around new people and learn new techniques from the amazing coaches." she said. The challenging part was learning a new technique from the running coach.

Fort Bliss is a favorite of Katie's because of the moderate weather that allows her to run and cycle with ease. "I love running on the track while looking at the Franklin mountains in the distance and breathing in the fresh air," she said.

Katie and other wounded warriors benefit from adaptive sports by participating in the Army Trials because theses brave individuals are provided with world class facilities, staff and coaches at Fort Bliss.

"Being here and training with my peers helps me overcome my injury and I wouldn't have it any other way," she said.