The Department of Defense 2021 Warrior Games, hosted by the U.S. Army, will take place at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort from September 12-22.
The annual event, first held in 2010, celebrates the resiliency and dedication of wounded, ill, and injured active duty and veteran U.S. military service members. Hundreds of elite-athletes, including those from international allied nations, will compete in adaptive sporting events such as wheelchair basketball, cycling, indoor rowing, and wheelchair rugby among others during the games.
The DoD Warrior Games serve as a way to enhance the recovery and rehabilitation of wounded warriors by providing them exposure to adaptive sports. Participation in the Warrior Games represents the culmination of a service member’s involvement in an adaptive sports program and demonstrates the incredible potential of wounded warriors through competitive sports.
The 2021 Warrior Games will once again be open to the public, welcoming the community and the world to be a part of the excitement and support these heroes. ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, donated for use and serving as a Warrior Games venue for the first time, is a 220-acre facility that features multiple indoor and outdoor competition sites.
What are the DoD Warrior Games?
The Department of Defense (DoD) holds an annual adaptive-sports competition. This year is the 11th anniversary highlighting the exceptional physical skills and mental toughness of wounded, ill and injured active-duty and veteran service members. Men and women from the U.S. Air Force, Marine Corps, Navy, Army, and U.S. Special Operations Command are joined in competition by representatives from ally nations for a variety of adaptive sports ranging from archery to wheelchair rugby.
What are adaptive sports?
The adaptive sports featured in the DoD Warrior Games are a part of the larger DoD Warrior Care program. Within this program, adaptive sports provide reconditioning activities and competitive athletic opportunities to all wounded, ill and injured service members to improve their physical mental and quality of life throughout the continuum of recovery and transition. Modified equipment and additional classification systems allow each athlete to compete, regardless of their injury or illness.
Which sports have been adapted?
The featured adaptive sports include but aren’t limited to archery, cycling, sitting volleyball, swimming, track, field, wheelchair basketball, indoor rowing, powerlifting, golf, and wheelchair rugby.
When and where are the Warrior Games for 2021?
The U.S. Army will host the 2021 DoD Warrior Games at the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida in September 2021. Specific dates and details will be released closer to the event
I’m interested in participating in the Warrior Games, how can I do that?
Wounded, ill and injured active duty and veteran service members should check with their service branch specific Warrior Care Program about participation in the Warrior Games.
Who can attend the Warrior Games?
Specific details of the 2021 Warrior Games are not final, but everyone is welcome to attend the games to cheer on the wounded warriors representing their service, their country, and their commitment to excellence. Additional event details, including for Opening and Closing Ceremonies, will be released closer to the event.
Why are the DoD Warrior Games important?
First and foremost, the games are designed to enhance recovery by engaging wounded, ill, and injured service members outside of traditional therapy settings. The program hopes to inspire recovery and physical fitness and encourage new opportunities for growth and achievement. The Warrior Games also raise awareness about the resources available through the DoD 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.
Will there be entertainment at the opening ceremony and how can I attend?
Details regarding Warrior Games events, including Opening and Closing Ceremonies, will be released closer to the event.
How can my business support the Warrior Games?
More information on how your business can support the Warrior Games will be available closer to the event, so check back soon.
How can I volunteer to support the Warrior Games?
Information about volunteer opportunities will be released closer to the event, so check back soon.
Where is the schedule of sporting events?
Details regarding Warrior Games events and competition will be released closer to the event.
What about COVID-19? Isn’t this dangerous for everyone, especially the athletes?
The safety of the athletes, coaches, staff and community remain our top priority, and we are taking all necessary precautions to protect everyone involved. Details about these precautions will be available closer to the event.
What sort of safety precautions are you putting into place?
We have not finalized the plans for the 2021 Warrior Games, but the safety of everyone involved is our top priority. As we move forward, we will work with all teams to ensure we take every necessary precaution to protect everyone involved.
How can media get more information about the event?
Media can contact the Public Affairs teams at [email protected]
I’m a veteran and want to learn more about how I can participate in the Warrior Games. Where can I find more information?
You should contact your service branch Warrior Care Program about participation in the Department of Defense Warrior Games
U.S. Navy: Mr. Marty Martinez – [email protected]
Ms Lizbeth Opiola– [email protected]
U.S. Special Operations Command Care Coalition: [email protected]
U.S. Air Force Adaptive Sports: [email protected]
U.S. Marine Corps Warrior Athlete Reconditioning Program: [email protected]
U.S. Army Adpative Reconditioning Division: [email protected]l
I am a family member of an athlete. Will I be able to attend?
Yes! Led by Fisher House Foundation, the Warrior Games Family Program supports families attending Warrior Games by providing two loved ones per athlete with round-trip flights to the host city, lodging, transportation to/from sporting venues, official credentials, meals, and spirit gear. Learn more: http://warriorgamesfamilyprogram.org/.