By Alan Morales, WTC Stratcom
Competition is something that resonates with each Soldier–a foundation for achievement and success. For a certain group of Army wounded warriors, it’s the way that 10 of them will have a chance to earn a spot on the 2011 U.S. Army Warrior Games Basketball Team.
Last weekend, 27 wounded warriors travelled from around the globe to the University of Texas–Arlington (UT–A) and participated in a basketball clinic with the UT–A Movin’ Mavs Basketball Team, one of the premier wheelchair basketball teams in the country. The clinic is one of the qualifying tournaments that will eventually determine the 2011 U.S. Army Warrior Games Basketball Team.
Last year, the U.S. Army Warrior Games Basketball Team won the silver medal in a fierce competition against the U.S. Marines. However for MSG James Shiver, who is the Army’s liaison for the Warrior Games, placing at Warrior Games is not the only goal. Shiver explains, “The Warrior Games, along with adaptive sports in general, offers wounded warriors the opportunity to continue to excel in athletics, while enabling them to succeed in other areas of their lives.”
A Department of Defense initiative with the U.S. Paralympics and the military branches, the Warrior Games offer wounded warriors the chance to compete against each other in numerous sports. Warrior Games athletes compete in 7 sports: wheelchair basketball, sitting volleyball, cycling, swimming, archery, shooting, and track and field.
Athletic competition is no stranger to Soldiers. The Warrior Games allows wounded, ill, or injured Soldiers to pursue their love of sports while excelling at something that can assist in physical, emotional, and spiritual healing. Plus, who doesn’t love seeing Army beat Navy?
Soldiers interested in being considered for the U.S. Army’s 2011 Warrior Games Team can submit applications by contacting their chain of command. Soldiers in the Army Wounded Warrior Program (AW2) can contact their AW2 Advocate for more information.