FAQ

The Department of Defense (DoD) Warrior Games were created in 2010 and designed to introduce wounded, ill and injured service members and veterans to Paralympic-style sports. The Warrior Games showcase the resilient spirit of today’s wounded, ill or injured service members from all branches of the military. After overcoming significant injuries and illnesses, these athletes prove that life can continue after becoming wounded, ill and injured. The U.S. Air Force will host the 2018 DoD Warrior Games from June 1-9 at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo.

Approximately 300 wounded, ill and injured service members and veterans will participate in the competition. The athletes will represent the United States Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force and Special Operations Command. Athletes from the U.K. Armed Forces, Australian Defence Force and Canadian Armed Forces will also compete. The athletes symbolize to all wounded, ill and injured service members and veterans across the nation, and others facing adversity, that individuals can recover from a serious injury or illness and lead fulfilling, productive and inspiring lives.

The 2018 DoD Warrior Games will feature 11 adaptive sports: archery, cycling, shooting, sitting volleyball, swimming, track and field, wheelchair basketball and three new sports debuting this year: indoor rowing, powerlifting, and time trial cycling . (The shooting event is conducted using Olympic competition pellet guns).

The Warrior Games will be held June 1-9 at the U.S. Air Force Academy. This year marks a triumphant return of the Warrior Games to Colorado Springs. Colorado Springs is recognized as the Olympic City USA and is the epicenter of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympics movements.

The 2018 Warrior Games are free and open to the public! Be inspired and show your support throughout the week by attending competition and events throughout the week. Visitors will be required to enter the U.S. Air Force Academy at the North Gate and show a valid government ID.

Before a wounded, ill or injured service member may compete to participate in the Games, he or she must first be enrolled in his/her respective service's wounded warrior program, which provides non-medical care to post-9/11 service members who are seriously wounded, ill or injured. The links below provide details for how to contact the respective wounded warrior program:

• U.S. Army Warrior Care and Transition
• U.S. Air Force Wounded Warrior
• U.S. Marine Corps Wounded Warrior Regiment
• U.S. Special Operations Command Care Coalition
• U.S. Navy Wounded Warrior
• U.S. Coast Guard (under U.S.Navy)

Once enrolled, service members 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.

Fitness and teamwork are a way of life in the military. Serious illness or injury can profoundly impact that way of life, often confining a service member to a hospital bed and significantly altering their physical capabilities. Adaptive sports help wounded warriors build strength and endurance, while also drawing inspiration from their teammates. The goal of the Warrior Games is to demonstrate the incredible potential of wounded warriors through competitive sports.