Wounded Warrior Project Brings Adaptive Sports to Most Seriously Injured Veterans

TAMPA, Fla., April 26, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Wounded Warrior Project^® (WWP) is connecting some of the most seriously wounded veterans with their communities by creating a new adaptive sports position.

Veterans served through WWP's Independence Program will be connected with adaptive sports opportunities throughout the country as they discover new ways to get involved in their communities.

"Adaptive sports are a great way to deal with your situation, whatever your disability happens to be," Bill Hannigan said. "From experience, that is how I was able to overcome my own disability."

Bill became paralyzed from the chest down in a motorcycle crash four months after leaving the military. After getting involved with adaptive sports, he knows the impact.

"It gave me back everything I was looking for," Bill said. "I'm very passionate about it. Now there is the opportunity to give back to other warriors."

As Bill takes on the role of adaptive sports specialist with WWP, he'll work with each individual's disability to provide new ways to build self-esteem. The list of options continues to grow and includes sled hockey, basketball, rock climbing, yoga, volleyball, and more – all adapted to accommodate participants.

WWP's Independence Program serves warriors who rely on their families or caregivers for daily support. These men and women have moderate to severe brain injury, spinal cord injury, or other neurological conditions. WWP works with warriors and their support structures to create individual goals and plans to achieve those targets. Adaptive sports can help with that.

"If they get into a team sport, right away the camaraderie is there, and now you are part of a team, a unit," Bill said. "Then there is the mentoring aspect; you have someone who has experienced what you have."

WWP connects warriors with one another and their communities. It serves them with life-saving programs that help with mental and physical health and wellness, career and benefits counseling, connecting warriors through events, and long-term care for the most seriously wounded. These efforts empower warriors to live life on their terms.

To learn more about WWP's programs and services, visit https://newsroom.woundedwarriorproject.org/.

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

SOURCE Wounded Warrior Project