TAMPA, Fla.—The Department of Defense (DoD) Warrior Games is underway here in Tampa Bay. The event features approximately 300 wounded, ill and injured service members and veterans competing across 14 adaptive sports.
From June 21-30, the sports take place at different locations in the area including the Tampa Convention Center, Long Aquatic Center, Yuengling Center and more. All the events are free and open to the public.
Competing athletes will be representing the U.S Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and Special Operations Command (SOCOM), in addition to allied countries such as Australia, Denmark, Canada, United Kingdom and The Netherlands.
The 14 sports that make up the Warrior Games are listed below:
- Archery
- Cycling
- Field
- Golf
- Indoor Rowing
- Powerlifting
- Shooting
- Sitting Volleyball
- Swimming
- Time Trial Cycling
- Track
- Wheelchair Basketball
- Wheelchair Rugby
- Wheelchair Tennis
Golf, wheelchair tennis and wheelchair rugby are new to the Warrior Games this year. To see the full schedule of the sporting events, click here.
The Warrior Games got its start back in 2010 as a way to enhance the recovery and rehabilitation of wounded warriors and to expose them to adaptive sports. The importance of the event is to highlight the spirit of fitness and teamwork that is a big part of military life all while showing the strength and potential that wounded warriors still maintain through competitive sports.
“It feels good to be out around people, especially this much people. It helps with your anxiety and everything you’ve been through. It’s very helpful, it keeps you going,” said Marine Corps Sergeant Durrell Jones, who earned a gold medal in the men up to 72 kg powerlift.
To learn more about DoD Warrior Games Tampa Bay, click here.
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