FORT CARSON, Colo. (May 10, 2013) -- Two hundred men and women, who have overcome the odds to participate in the Warrior Games, trained on Fort Carson and the United States Air Force Academy May 6-10.
Currently serving and retired wounded warriors-- Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines-- gathered in the Colorado Springs area, with the Warrior Games scheduled to begin May 11 with opening ceremonies at the U.S. Olympic Training Center.
This year the Army practiced at Fort Carson and USAFA facilities, training for the various events that they will compete in: wheelchair basketball, sitting volleyball, swimming, archery, shooting, and track and field, the week before the games.
Many members of the team feel that the training that they received earlier this year, and now the week before the games, has been well worth it.
"The training the week before the games helps us begin to visualize what we need to do to win," said Capt. Lacey Hamilton, Warrior Transition Battalion, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Md. "Right now we're focusing on mechanics and remembering what we need to do to be successful. Each member of Team Army deserves to be here, because they are the best."
Others feel that, with the way that they have prepared, they will reach new heights.
"This is the year that Army is going to win it all," said Sgt. Chad Mcduffee, veteran, Warrior Games. "I have felt that way since the first (training) camp I went to. Just getting to know the other athletes; how hard we have worked. How everything has come together; I don't think there is a way that we won't win the cup this year."
The Warrior Games will run from May 11-16.
During the games, 50 competitors from each of the military branches will face one another, testing both individual and team skills in events.
The members of the team would like people to become more aware of the Warrior Games.
"Come out and watch," said Sgt. Ryan McIntosh, WTB, Fort Sam Houston, Texas. "Spread the story, so that if people know somebody that is wounded, ill or injured; these (Warrior Games) are out there if you are military. They can get back to being active and physical with their lifestyle, so they can (learn) that they can overcome obstacles they didn't know they could."
To find out the schedule of events, visit the official page at: http://www.teamusa.org/US-Paralympics/Military/Warrior-Games-presented-by-Deloitte/Competition-Schedules.aspx
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