Airmen begin Warrior Games at Olympic Training Complex

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Mareshah Haynes
  • Defense Media Activity
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AFNS) --  Twenty-five Airmen joined nearly 200 other wounded warriors for the 2011 Warrior Games opening ceremony May 16 at the Olympic Training Complex here.

The competition between all branches of service, including the Coast Guard, is in its second year and is open to service members who were injured while serving on active duty. Athlete disabilities range from post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injuries to triple amputations and severe burn injuries.

"These games are a shining light, showing our nation the triumph of the human spirit and plain hard work . . . against what many would view as insurmountable challenges," said Navy Admiral James A. Winnefeld, the commander of the North American Aerospace Defense Command and the military representative during the ceremony. "We will never truly know what each of you has been through, but it's not lost on me, or others who support you how hard you've had to work to be here today."

The Air Force team comprises 23 Airmen, four who remain on active duty, and two Airmen who are competing as members of the newly formed U.S. Special Operations Command team.

Following the posting of the colors by the Fort Carson Mounted Color Guard, the athletes marched down the "Olympic Pathway" where hundreds of spectators cheered each team and the Olympic torch was passed between torch bearers from each service.

Retired Maj. Gwendolyn Sheppard acted as the torch bearer for the Air Force team. Army Staff Sgt. Salvatore Giunta, the first person living person to receive the Medal of Honor since the Vietman War, lit the cauldron opening the week-long event.

The games include sitting volleyball, wheelchair basketball, swimming, archery, shooting and track and field events. Aside from individual events, each team will compete for the Champion's Cup, which is awarded to the team that earned the highest cumulative score.

"These games are a way for you to represent our country on a different battlefield," Admiral Winnefeld said. "Not only showcasing your hard-earned athletic prowess . . . but your desire to represent your services as part of a team."

The 2011 Warrior Games will culminate with a closing ceremony May 21.