1. The Wounded Warrior Disabled Sports Project
The Wounded Warrior Disabled Sports Project began in 2003 in partnership with Disabled Sports USA and offshoot from the larger Wounded Warrior Project that assists veteran and current servicemen and women in need. It is a non-profit sports rehabilitation program which trains wounded servicemen and women free of charge. Only the most severely injured veterans take part in the program. The established goal is to teach the basics of a sport to these severely injured soldiers in one day and then use sports as a key rehabilitation tool.
2. Common Injuries
The most common injuries to veterans that the Wounded Warrior Disabled Sports Project serves are severe bone and muscle damage, blindness, paralysis, head injuries and multiple or single amputations. There are other injury categories but most have to do with the ability to walk. This project seeks to give these service men and women a way to stay physically active for the rest of their lives.
3. Types of Sports
The project offers both winter and summer sports activities. There are 17 different sports a wounded warrior can participate in; hiking, camping, golf, shooting, alpine and Nordic skiing, cycling, snowboarding, rock climbing, canoeing, kayaking, sailing, water skiing, equestrian, scuba diving, fishing and track and field. Almost all of these sports are individual in nature and the athlete can do them while they are sitting or standing. Each participant may also bring a friend or companion to the activities.
4. Wounded Warrior Philosophy
The Wounded Warrior Disabled Sports rehabilitation program encourages its participants to get up and out of their wheelchairs and realize they can learn to function outside its bounds. Learning to perform sporting activities gives them confidence, physical fitness and performance goals that are so important for a positive frame of mind during the rehabilitation process.
5. Other Services
The Wounded Warrior Disabled Sports Project conducts clinics throughout the country. They also offer advanced training and hold competitions in each sport offered. The program receives no governmental assistance--private donations fund it entirely. They also provide for trips to Wounded Warrior events as well as support throughout the rehabilitation process.
Member Comments