BAY LAKE, Fla. – The Department of Defense Warrior Games, hosted by U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, will return to ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World.
First held in 2010, the annual event features hundreds of elite-athletes who compete in sporting events such as wheelchair basketball, cycling, indoor rowing and sitting volleyball, among others.
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“Adaptive sports play such a powerful role in the mental and physical recovery of wounded, ill and injured military members, and we are excited to once again be back at ESPN Wide World of Sports,” said Gen. Gary Brito, commanding general of TRADOC. “These men and women deserve our support as they overcome these obstacles, and it’s an honor to host the Warrior Games on behalf of the U.S. Army and DoD, and to provide another way for these athletes to leverage the power of adaptive sports.”
Disney said this is the second time that ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex will serve as the Warrior Games venue.
The award-winning complex, which combines the spirit of sports with Disney magic, previously hosted the 2016 Invictus Games and the 2022 DoD Warrior Games.
“We are humbled to again welcome these heroic service members and veterans, their families and supporters to ESPN Wide World of Sports next summer,” said Jeff Vahle, president of Walt Disney World Resort. “Their sacrifice has allowed us the freedoms we enjoy daily, and we are honored to be able to witness their spirit of determination, boldness and loyalty come alive during the games!”
The Warrior Games serve to enhance the recovery and rehabilitation of wounded warriors by providing them exposure to adaptive sports, Disney said in a media release. Military paralympic adaptive sports programs help wounded service members and veterans build strength and endurance and draw inspiration from their teammates.
The June 2024 Warrior Games, which are open to the public, will welcome the community and the world to be part of the excitement by supporting these heroes.
Details about the sports schedule, viewing opportunities, corporate sponsorships and more will be announced at a later date.
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