Warrior Games: Wounded Warriors Set New Goals in Competition

By WTC for STAND-TO!February 4, 2010

Warrior Games: Wounded Warriors Set New Goals in Competition

What is it'

The inaugural Warrior Games is a competition between wounded, ill and injured servicemen and women being held this May in Colorado Springs, Colo. This is a joint effort between the U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. Olympic Committee. Wounded, ill and injured Soldiers, along with Marines, Airmen, Sailors and Coast Guardsmen, will compete May 10-14 in a variety of events including shooting, swimming, archery, sitting volleyball, cycling, track, wheelchair basketball, discuss and shot put. In addition to winners in each event, there will be an "Ultimate Warrior" competition in a pentathlon format and service team scoring for a rotating Chairman's Cup. An estimated 200 athletes will be drawn proportionally from each service. The Warrior Games represent the latest addition to a cooperative effort between the U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. Olympic Committee, with support provided by the United Services Organization (USO), American Red Cross, and Ride 2 Recovery (R2R).

What has the Army done'

The Army's Warrior Transition Command (WTC) has taken primary responsibility for supporting Warrior Games and recruiting athletes through the Army's Warrior Transition Units, as well as the general population of Soldiers who may have continued on active duty after recovery. WTC is accepting nominations through March 1 for active-duty Soldiers who are interested in being a part of this event. Wounded Soldiers interested in competing in the Warrior Games should contact their chain of command for more information.

What efforts does the Army plan to continue in the future'

Being physically fit is a part of military service. The Warrior Games will demonstrate the continued role physical fitness can play in Soldiers' lives regardless of injury. The Warrior Games will provide a unique challenge for those who wish to learn more about Paralympic sports. WTC plans to continue to champion ability over disability as wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers set new goals and overcome new challenges.

Why are Warrior Games important to the Army'

These inaugural games are part of an effort to inspire recovery, capitalize on physical fitness, and promote new opportunities for growth and achievement. The Warrior Games will help elevate abilities through athletic competition for wounded, ill, and injured servicemembers, by providing a focal event to empower the incorporation of athletics into military wounded warrior programs.

Resources:

<a href="http://wtc.armylive.dodlive.mil " target="_blank"> Warrior Transition Command </a>

<a href="http://wtc.armylive.dodlive.mil/warriorgames " target="_blank"> Warrior Games</a>

<a href="http://usparalympics.org/pages/5137" target="_blank"> The U.S. Olympic Committee Paralympic Military Program</a>