Q1. What are the DoD Warrior Games?
A1. The Department of War (DoW) holds an annual adaptive-sports competition, the Warrior Games. This year celebrates 15 years since the inception of the DoD Warrior Games highlighting the exceptional physical skills and mental toughness of military service members. Men and women representing the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Coast Guard and Special Operations Command will compete in a variety of adaptive sports.
Q2. What are adaptive sports?
A2. The adaptive sports featured in the DoW Warrior Games are a part of the larger DoW Warrior Care programs. Within these programs, adaptive sports provide reconditioning activities and competitive athletic opportunities to wounded, ill and injured service members to improve their physical and mental wellness throughout the continuum of recovery and transition.
Modified equipment and additional classification systems allow each athlete to compete, regardless of their injury or illness.
Q3. Which sports will athletes compete in this year?
A3. Archery, cycling, field, indoor rowing, powerlifting, precision air rifle/pistol, sitting volleyball, swimming, track, wheelchair basketball, and wheelchair rugby
Q4. When and where are the 2026 DoD Warrior Games?
A4. The 2026 DoW Warrior Games will be held in San Antonio, TX, with the majority of the events occurring at Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, from June 13 - 20 2026.
Q5. Who can attend the DoD Warrior Games?
A5. The public is welcome to attend the athletic competition of the DoW Warrior Games to cheer on the wounded, ill, and injured athletes representing their service, their country, and their commitment to excellence. The only sporting event which does not have capacity for spectators is swimming, however attendees are welcome to view the event from the Warrior Games Plaza. Additional event details, including daily schedules, are available at DoDWarriorGames.com.
Q6. Why are the DoD Warrior Games so important?
A6. First, the DoW Warrior Games are designed to enhance recovery by engaging wounded, ill, and injured service members and veterans outside of traditional therapy settings. The program hopes to inspire recovery and physical fitness and encourage new opportunities for growth and achievement. The Games also raise awareness about the resources available through the DoW Warrior Care programs. The adaptive sports program is just one facet of the continuum of recovery and care our active-duty and veteran warriors receive.
Q7: What does it feel like to compete in adaptive sports?
A7: Media will have select opportunities to experience and appreciate the special challenges faced by these warriors. Adaptive equipment and interaction with the athletes offer a unique chance to share their experiences with the audience.
Q9: Where is the schedule of sporting events?
A9: Details regarding DoW Warrior Games events and competition schedules can be found at https://dodwarriorgames.com/.
Q10: Will there be international team participation in the DoD Warrior Games?
A10: There will not be any international teams participating in the 2026 DoD Warrior Games. Team U.S. athletes had the privilege of competing alongside wounded, ill, and injured service members and veterans from 22 other nations at the 2025 Invictus Games in Vancouver/Whistler, Canada.