The Department of Defense Warrior Games is an annual event, first held in 2010, that celebrates the resiliency and dedication of wounded, ill, and injured active duty and veteran U.S. military service members. From June 21-30, 2024, the DoD Warrior Games will return to ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando, Florida. Approximately 300 wounded, ill and injured service members and veterans will participate this year, with athletes representing the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force and Special Operations Command.
Teams include active-duty, reserve component and veterans with upper-body, lower-body and spinal cord injuries, as well as those with traumatic brain injuries, visual impairment, serious illness and post-traumatic stress. The athletes will engage in friendly competition and experience the healing power of sports.
The Warrior Games will feature 11 sports: archery, cycling, track, field, shooting, sitting volleyball, swimming, wheelchair basketball, rowing, powerlifting, and wheelchair rugby. To qualify for the Warrior Games teams, athletes participate in camps, clinics, trials or similar means for their respective service teams.
The Warrior Games were established to enhance the recovery and rehabilitation of wounded, ill and injured service members and to expose them to adaptive sports. Visitors and participants will walk away with a better understanding of adaptive sports through an exciting and entertaining atmosphere, and will gain with additional understanding of how to support our athletes.
The Games promise to live up to the success of previous games and will be memorable for the athletes, enjoyable for their caregivers and family members, and inspirational and educational for spectators and other supporters.
FAQs
What are the Warrior Games?
Created in 2010, the DoD Warrior Games introduce wounded, ill and injured service members and veterans to Paralympic-style sports. Warrior Games showcases the resilient spirit of today’s wounded, ill or injured service members from all branches of the military. These athletes have overcome significant physical and behavioral injuries and prove that life can continue after becoming wounded, ill or injured.
What role is Fisher House playing for the Warrior Games?
As our athletes progress in their recovery, our focus this year is to ensure an integrated, meaningful and memorable experience for both our athletes and their families. Supporting this important goal, the Fisher House Foundation is fully funding two guests for every U.S. athlete to attend the Warrior Games in support of their competing warrior and hosting a variety of family activities during the Games themselves to create an unforgettable experience for all involved.
Why are the DoD Warrior Games important to the Department of Defense and the Armed Services?
It is our duty as Americans to care, provide and advocate for our wounded, ill or injured warriors and support them to lead the fullest lives possible. DoD applauds efforts to shine a spotlight on the sacrifices of wounded, ill or injured warriors, as well as the tremendous healing power of sports. The goal of Warrior Games is to use sports to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation and generate a wider understanding and respect of those who serve their country.
What types of injuries do the athletes have?
Participating athletes have wounds, injuries and illnesses such as amputations, spinal cord injuries, and visual impairments. Some injuries and illnesses are not always visible (i.e. TBI, cancer, post-traumatic stress), and not all are endured in combat. The Games provide an opportunity for athletes to showcase their healing and recovery through adaptive sports, providing opportunities for athletes to heal and to regain confidence and purpose. The DoD Warrior Games offers a way to celebrate their efforts and commitment to healing.
How many times can an athlete participate in the Warrior Games?
Because the DoD Warrior Games were designed to be part of a service member’s rehabilitation and recovery, athletes are allowed to participate in the Warrior Games twice. This is to ensure as many service members get the opportunity to compete, experience the healing camaraderie and spirit of competition through the Warrior Games.
Can individuals who compete in the Warrior Games, compete in other athletic events – such as the Paralympics?
The DoD Warrior Games athletes can participate in other athletic competitions, which include the Paralympics, Invictus Games and Valor Games, among others. Several Warrior Games athletes have gone on to set world-records and win Paralympic medals as a result of their experience during the Warrior Games.
The links below provide details for how to contact the respective wounded warrior program:
U.S. Army Recovery Care Program
U.S. Marine Corps Wounded Warrior Regiment
U.S. Navy and Coast Guard Wounded Warrior
U.S. Special Operations Command Care Coalition
Once enrolled, warriors may then participate in structured camps, clinics, trials and daily adaptive sports activities that are executed nationwide with support from the Department of Defense's military adaptive sports program. Athletes are able to compete based on their professionalism, dedication and determination and that of their military medical teams' and families' supporting their recovery efforts.