MILITARY LIFE

THE TRANSFORMATIVE POWER OF ADAPTIVE SPORTS PROGRAMS

For many years, people with disabilities have been using sports as a therapeutic tool. It helps them overcome serious injury or illness and is a means of recovery. They fight their personal battles on the track, in the pool and on the court. Their drive to overcome, recover and push through obstacles sends a powerful message: Serious injury or illness does not interrupt the pursuit of a meaningful and productive life.

Recognizing this, the Department of Defense and the United States Olympic Committee, created the Warrior Games (dodwarriorgames.com) This inter-service adaptive sports competition showcases the resilient spirit of today's wounded, ill and injured service members. Athletes from all branches of the military compete against each other in a range of adaptive sporting events. Having overcome severe injuries and medical conditions, the service members embody the warrior spirit. They serve as role models for other survivors worldwide.

BATTLE-TESTED: U.S. Marine Sgt. Peter Keating (left) meets retired U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Michael Murphy at the finish line of a race during the 2022 Department of Defense Warrior Games at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida, Aug. 25, 2022.