Injured Veterans Learn New Sport On The Ice

FAIRBANKS, Alaska, Feb. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- More than 20 experienced curlers from the Fairbanks Curling Club volunteered to teach Wounded Warrior Project^® (WWP) Alumni and family support members the fundamentals and techniques of curling. The 24 WWP participants were given plenty of practice prior to playing in a tournament the club hosted that day.

The Wounded Warrior Project Alumni program works to create support through shared experiences. WWP provides long-term support and camaraderie by bringing injured veterans together. Many wounded service members face similar challenges adjusting to their injuries and civilian life; by bonding at events and programs, these wounded veterans learn they are not alone. The Alumni program is one of 20 free programs and services offered to wounded service members.

This event gave WWP Alumni the opportunity to step out of their comfort zone to discover a new, exciting sport and have a great time. "I learned it's a lot harder than it looks," said WWP Alumnus, James Schull. "The best part was getting together and having fun, meeting more people, and getting schooled by a 14-year-old Junior Olympic player."

Twelve teams, composed of two WWP participants and two experienced curlers, competed in the double elimination tournament. Teams played a minimum of five games and then enjoyed dinner and camaraderie with their professional curling teammates and fellow Alumni.

"I don't think I'd be able to choose a certain part of the day that was better than any other," WWP Alumnus Derek Harris said. "Getting out there on the ice and curling was ridiculously fun."

"I really enjoyed practicing and learning with two extremely talented junior curlers and the overall interaction with experienced curlers," said WWP Alumnus Jeff Decker. "I loved learning something new, meeting folks in my community and the chance to spend time with my WWP Alumni family."

All participants left that evening with a prize and new appreciation of curling techniques, tricks, and rules. Six of the WWP participants expressed an interest to sign up with the club for the next season of curling.

About Wounded Warrior Project
The mission of Wounded Warrior Project^® (WWP) is to honor and empower Wounded Warriors. WWP's purpose is to raise awareness and to enlist the public's aid for the needs of injured service members, to help injured servicemen and women aid and assist each other, and to provide unique, direct programs and services to meet their needs. WWP is a national, nonpartisan organization headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida. To get involved and learn more, visit woundedwarriorproject.org.

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SOURCE Wounded Warrior Project