JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Tex. -- Many of our Warriors rely on sports to be an essential part of their recovery, and that can be hard to keep up with during a time of distancing and gyms being closed. To keep their training on track and continue the competitive spirit, the Air Force Wounded Warrior Program (AFW2) is doing something new. On Friday, June 19, 2020, AFW2 will be hosting its first ever, virtual powerlifting competition that will broadcast on Facebook.
“With the cancellation of AF Trials back in March, many of our Warriors have continued to train as best they could,” said Derrick Lepper, AFW2 Adaptive Sports Program Manager. “We rolled out virtual training opportunities for them to engage with our coaching staff, and the idea was born to complete a virtual competition.”
Warriors were polled to see which sport they would want to compete in, and powerlifting came out on top. Coordination was done with some powerlifting coaches, AFW2 staff and USA Para Powerlifting to finalize the rules, guidelines, and judging.
“We wanted to give our Warriors something to keep them motivated and pushing forward during these uncertain times,” Derrick said. “This is a great way to keep their training on track and build their competitive spirit.”
The competition will begin at approximately 11:30 central time on June 19 and will be a Zoom to Facebook Live Broadcast. We hope everyone can check in and support our Warriors and make this event successful.
AFW2 is still hosting virtual socials live on Facebook to help everyone cope during this time. Visit the program’s Facebook page to hear stories of resiliency and engage in wellness activities hosted by Air Force Wounded Warriors. For additional information, visit www.woundedwarrior.af.mil to refer an Airman to the program, read about the program’s mission, or learn about additional services offered to caregivers and families.