Monday, May 13, 2013

Warrior Games: Warrior Transition Command

I saw this in todays paper (ODT) and looked up their website.  An example of healing and adaptation through the occupation of competitive sport.  This is what the website says...

The Warrior Games showcases the resilient spirit of today's wounded, ill, or injured service members from all branches of the military. After overcoming significant physical and behavioral injuries, these men and women demonstrate the power of ability over disability and the spirit of competition.
Since 2010, nearly 200 wounded, ill, or injuredservice members and Veterans have competed annually at the Warrior Games, a unique partnership between the Department of Defense and U.S. Olympic Committee Paralympic Military Program. Athletes compete in sitting volleyball, wheelchair basketball, swimming, cycling, track & field, archery & competitive shooting. Gold, silver and bronze medals will be awarded to the athletes or team members place 1st, 2nd and 3rd in their events respectively.
Additionally the service that brings the most medals will receive the Chairman's Cup.
Warrior Games is about more than winning medals-it's about overcoming challenges to celebrate accomplishments. Each athlete competing tells a story of triumph, regardless of whether they stand on the podium.
Athletes can also compete for the title of Ultimate Champion. This is a Pentathlon-style format designed to pit warriors against each other in a variety of disciplines. Points are earned in each discipline, and the athlete collecting the most points is named Ultimate Champion.
Adaptive sports and reconditioning are linked to a variety of benefits for wounded, ill, or injured service members across all branches of the military:

  • less stress
  • reduced dependency on pain and depression medication
  • fewer secondary medical conditions (i.e., diabetes, hypertension)
  • higher achievement in education and employment
  • increased independence
  • increased self-confidence
  • increased mobility

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