Warrior Games Begin Today
Beginning today, May 16, 2011, and continuing through May 21 a very special athletic competition is taking place high in the Rocky Mountains. For the second straight year wounded, ill and injured servicemen and women will compete in the Warrior Games in Colorado Springs, Colorado, at the Olympic Training Center, the U.S. Olympic Training Center, the United States Air Force Academy, Memorial Park and Fort Carson.
"Compete" isn’t exactly the right word for these games; while everyone will be trying to do his or her best, each participant is also pulling for the other competitors.
The Warrior Games are a joint effort between the USO (United Service Organizations) and the Department of Defense, with assistance from the U.S. Olympic Committee and presenting sponsor Deloitte.
{default}Last year’s inaugural event saw 187 men and women athletes participating in the games. This year, that number increases to 200: 100 representing the Army, 50 for the Marine Corps, 25 for the Air Force, and a combined squad of 25 members from the Navy and Coast Guard. The seven events, including archery, cycling, sitting volleyball, shooting, swimming, track and field and wheelchair basketball serve as an introduction to Paralympic sports for injured service members by inspiring recovery, physical fitness, and promoting new opportunities.
"The Warrior Games are about what these wounded warriors can accomplish. The word ‘can’t’ doesn’t exist at the Games," USO president Sloan Gibson said in a release announcing the 2011 Games.
Click here to view video interviews with some of the athletes.
At the Warrior Games Facebook page you’ll find information on how you can view some of the events even if you can’t be there.
