Wounded Warriors Bond with Fantasy Football Competition for 'Golden Canteen'

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., March 6, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Wounded Warrior Project^® (WWP) helped injured veterans form a fantasy football league and compete during the regular 2017 football season — from their initial draft picks in August to a recent award dinner — all for the right to hoist the coveted WWP Golden Canteen trophy. This is the group's second year of friendly competition.

"Any time I get to do something positive with my fellow warriors that takes me away from the stresses of reality, then I'm in," said 2017 league champion and Army veteran Carlos De León. "We had a great time and most importantly, I believe it helped in my recovery."

"I joined this league because it reminded me of when I was on active duty," said Navy veteran Robert Watts. "My entire shop used to energetically participate in fantasy football. It bought back so many good memories for me and helped me socialize with a great group of veterans."

WWP supports the long-term recovery needs of warriors by reintroducing them and their families to the unique bonds experienced during military service. Connecting with fellow service members in the community minimizes isolation and creates a support structure during the healing process.

"Wounded Warrior Project has truly helped me meet my mental and physical goals," Robert said, "which has given me so much strength to bounce back from my injuries."

"Because of Wounded Warrior Project, I was able to meet many great warriors on the road to recovery," Carlos said, "as well as getting to know their staff, who I consider family because of their selfless service. In addition, I led a peer support group for four years, and I believe I had a positive impact on the other veterans."

WWP program events like this give wounded warriors an opportunity to experience veteran peer support firsthand. These social gatherings get them out of the house and connect them with fellow service members and their communities.

To learn and see more about how WWP's programs and services connect, serve, and empower wounded warriors, visit our newsroom.

About Wounded Warrior Project
Wounded Warrior Project^® (WWP) connects, serves, and empowers wounded warriors. Read more here.

SOURCE Wounded Warrior Project