Alexandria, Virginia -- More than 100 wounded, ill and injured Soldiers and Veterans will join together at Fort Bliss, Texas to compete in the U.S. Army Trials 2016, March 6-10.
Hosted by the Army Warrior Transition Command, the Army Trials help determine which athletes get selected for the Army team to compete at the DOD Warrior Games. Training and practice sessions begin Sunday, February 28.
Army Trials include Soldier and Veteran athletes who will face off in archery, basketball, cycling, track and field, swimming, shooting, sitting volleyball and wheelchair basketball. Participants include athletes with spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, visual impairment, serious illnesses and amputations.
"We are honored to host the 2016 Army Trials here at Fort Bliss," said Maj. Gen. Stephen Twitty, 1st Armored Division and Fort Bliss Commanding General. "Last year was a huge success and we look forward to a vigorous competition again this year. We have some of the best athletic and recreational facilities in the Army, and combined with the great El Paso community, I couldn't think of a better place for our Soldier and Veteran athletes to train and compete."
According to Col. Chris Toner, Commander, Warrior Transition Command, Fort Bliss is the perfect showcase for the Army Trials. "We are excited to be back at Fort Bliss for the Army Trials. The support and generosity is amazing. It is the perfect place to highlight the power of resilience and adaptive reconditioning in the recovery of wounded, ill and injured Soldiers and Veterans.
"Adaptive reconditioning and sports play a significant role in the Army's holistic approach to recovery and transition for these Soldiers," he said. "It's truly an inspirational experience to watch these Soldiers and Veterans train and compete. We believe events of this type provide a sense of purpose, community, and improve their outlook and quality of life."
Following the conclusion of the Army Trials, coaches and leaders will assess the results and athletes selected for the 2016 Department of Defense Warrior Games Army team will receive an official invitation. Approximately 250 athletes representing teams from the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, and Special Operations Command will compete in the DoD Warrior Games June 14-22 at the U.S. Military Academy, West Point, New York.
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Media: For additional information, athlete interviews, and/or to attend training or competition events, please contact: Mike Brantley at james.m.brantley4.civ@mail.mil or call (915) 744-8403.
2016 Army Trials training, competition and athlete information can be found at these links:
Warrior Transition Command (WTC) Army Trials 2016: http://www.wtc.army.mil/warrior_games/army_trials_2016.html
Defense Video & Imagery Distribution System
https://www.dvidshub.net/feature/armytrials2016
Army Trials 2016 Fact Sheet:
www.wtc.army.mil/documents/brochures/Army_Trials_2016_Fact_Sheet_FINAL.PDF
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