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2013 Warrior Games

Wednesday May 8, 2013

What is it?

The Warrior Games showcases the resilient spirit of today’s wounded, ill, or injured service members from all branches of the military. After overcoming significant physical and behavioral injuries, these men and women demonstrate the power of ability over disability and the spirit of competition.

Since 2010, nearly 200 wounded, ill, or injured service members and veterans have competed annually at the Warrior Games, a unique partnership between the Department of Defense and U.S. Olympic Committee Paralympic Military Program.

Athletes compete in sitting volleyball, wheelchair basketball, swimming, cycling, track & field, archery and competitive shooting. Just as other events sponsored by the Olympic committee, gold, silver and bronze medals are awarded.

2013 Warrior Games being held from May 11-17, at Colorado Springs, Colo., will have a team from the United Kingdom compete along with teams from the Army, Marines, Navy/Coast Guard and Special Operations Command.

The Army is sending a team of 50 Soldiers and veterans to compete and to highlight how the Army takes care of all of its Soldiers - wounded, ill or injured.

What has the Army done?

At 29 Warrior Transition Units and nine community-based Warrior Transition Units across the country, wounded, ill or injured Soldiers have one mission: to heal and prepare for transition. Adaptive reconditioning activities including adaptive sports are a valuable recovery tool across the Warrior Care and Transition Program.

What continued efforts does the Army have planned for the future?

Adaptive sports and reconditioning are linked to a variety of benefits for wounded, ill, and injured service members across all branches of the military:

  • -less stress
  • -reduced dependency on pain and depression medication
  • -fewer secondary medical conditions (i.e., diabetes, hypertension)
  • -higher achievement in education and employment
  • -increased independence
  • -increased self-confidence
  • -increased mobility

Participation in sports and being part of a team also helps Soldiers adapt more easily and lessens behavioral health problems.

Why is this important to the Army?

Not only do the Warrior Games showcase the resilience, strength and abilities of the Army’s wounded, ill or injured, they highlight the Army’s commitment to these Soldiers, veterans and their families. Warrior Games reinforce the commitment of the Army to care for all of its Soldiers - wounded, ill or injured.

Resources:

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