Since 2003, the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) has worked to help injured veterans transition back to civilian life. As part of its effort to connect these veterans with programs and services that enrich their lives and those of their families, WWP supported the 2024 Department of Defense Warrior Games as a platinum sponsor.
The Department of Defense Warrior Games brings together the military community for an annual event that highlights the remarkable athleticism and resiliency of active-duty and veteran service members. Over the course of 10 days, more than 200 warrior athletes representing each of the US military branches, as well as those of ally nations, compete in 11 adaptative sports.
Celebrating its 14th year in 2024, the Warrior Games were held June 21-30 at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando, Florida. Members of the public were invited to attend, and the event was live-streamed on the Warrior Games website.
For WWP, the 2024 Warrior Games were particularly noteworthy. More than 90 of the 200-plus competitors were registered with WWP, and many were introduced to adaptive sports through the nonprofit.
Among them was Corine Hamilton. A retired US Army specialist, Hamilton was involved in a serious motor-vehicle accident while serving her country in Poland. Although she survived the accident, injuries to her spine left her lower body paralyzed.
Upon returning home to Florida, Hamilton struggled with being bedridden. Through WWP, she began participating in adaptive cycling, track and field, and powerlifting events. The experience reconnected her with her community and helped her to find a renewed purpose in life.
WWP maintains multiple adaptive sports program aimed at improving the physical and mental health of wounded warriors. According to the nonprofit’s Warrior Survey, more than half of the injured veterans registered with WWP rely on exercise as a way to manage stress and mental health concerns.
As a platinum sponsor, WWP was at the top tier of supporters of the 2024 Warrior Games. To learn more about the annual event, please visit www.dodwarriorgames.com.