World-Class Athletes Support Wounded Warriors Through Virtual Event
It was wonderful to virtually meet so many fellow athletes, some whom I competed with in Beijing and London, all while supporting wounded warriors.
Just before she left to compete at the London 2012 Olympic Games, American diver Kelci Bryant Grisez met with a group of injured military veterans. The experience left an indelible mark.
“I knew that I was competing and some of those heroes were at home watching, and I wanted to make them proud of someone they fought for,” Kelci said.
If they were watching recently, they would’ve been proud again. Kelci, along with more than a dozen of the world’s best female athletes, participated in a virtual trivia night to raise support for Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) warriors and their families.
The trivia night was one of many fundraisers that are part of WWP’s Courage Awards & Benefit Dinner®, Hosted By You. This year, WWP’s annual gala recognizing warriors and supporters shifted to a virtual format because of the coronavirus pandemic. It gave supporters an opportunity to host their own versions of the event.
“It was wonderful to virtually meet so many fellow athletes, some whom I competed with in Beijing and London, all while supporting wounded warriors,” said Kelci, a 2012 U.S. Olympic silver medalist, nine-time national champion, and wife of a Marine veteran.
In addition to tackling trivia, the athletes heard wounded warrior Lisa Crutch share her story of resilience after retiring from the Army.
“Listening to Lisa share her story was incredibly moving,” said figure skater Bradie Tennell, the 2018 U.S. national champion and U.S. Olympic bronze medalist in the team event. “I could hear in her voice how grateful she is to the organization and how much of an impact it has had on her life.”
Lisa got as much out of it as the athletes did.
“I enjoyed seeing so many beautiful, strong female athletes willing to participate,” Lisa said. “I’m so very appreciative of all who continue to support Wounded Warrior Project.”
Honoring injured veterans is now even more personal for Kelci. Her husband Brandon served two tours with the Marines in Iraq in 2006 and 2008 before being honorably discharged in 2009.
“We forget that our servicemen and women have really big challenges to overcome when they get back on American soil, and it’s our duty as U.S. citizens to do all we can to support them in their journey back into civilian life,” Kelci said.
Join Kelci in supporting warriors and their families by giving back today.
Contact: Chris Obarski — Public Relations, cobarski@woundedwarriorproject.org, 904.570.0823
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.