Injured Veterans Excited to Rediscover Competition Through Adaptive Sports
Warriors from the Southeast joined Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) for an adaptive sports clinic in Jacksonville, Florida. The multi-day clinic introduced wounded veterans to two popular sports – wheelchair rugby and adaptive archery – both modified for all types of injuries, including spinal cord injuries, amputations, and head wounds.
“Physical and mental wellness play important roles in a warrior’s recovery process,” said James Herrera, WWP Physical Health & Wellness vice president. “Wounded Warrior Project’s Adaptive Sports program is designed to connect some of the most seriously wounded veterans with adaptive equipment, sports, and exercise routines that are specialized for each warrior’s unique injury. It gives them the tools they need to live healthy and active lifestyles.”
Wheelchair rugby is an intensely physical game. Four players from each team must move quickly on the court, passing a volleyball to their teammate at least once every 10 seconds each play. Wheelchairs crash into each other as each team tries to gain possession of the ball and score. Warriors who attended were eager to get on the court and wore fierce competitive faces – with broad smiles.
Adaptive archery has gained popularity among wounded warriors. The fundamentals are just like regular archery but may require specialized equipment to accommodate different injuries. Learning the correct techniques and skills not only builds confidence, but oftentimes lead warriors into the competitive arena, like Warrior Games.
After each Adaptive Sports clinic, warriors receive tools and assistance to continue improving their new skills at home in their communities, where they can take part in competitions or join adaptive sports teams.
More and more, warriors are using physical activity to improve their mental well-being. There are three ways warriors and family members can get active with WWP:
- Physical activity sessions, which connect local warriors with similar wellness goals.
- Fitness challenges, which are designed to motivate next-level workout routines and push beyond limitations.
- Adaptive sports, which encompass both high-level activity and modified workout challenges through recreational and competitive opportunities.
Wounded Warrior Project has adaptive sports clinics across the nation and collaborates closely with other adaptive sports providers, such as Veterans Affairs (VA), Disabled Sports USA (DSUSA), Valor Games, military hospitals, and many local providers like the YMCA.
Media Contact: Vesta M. Anderson, Public Relations, vanderson@woundedwarriorproject.org, 904.570.0771
About Wounded Warrior Project
Since 2003, Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) has been meeting the growing needs of warriors, their families, and caregivers — helping them achieve their highest ambition. Learn more.