USA Warrior Games to Return to Colorado Springs in 2012

"We are excited to welcome our service members and veterans back to Colorado Springs for the third annual competition. These Games truly exemplify the fighting spirit within each and every one of these athletes, all who have sacrificed for our great country."

The U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC)) announced Tuesday (6 December) that the Warrior Games presented by Deloitte will return to Colorado Springs, Colorado, in 2012.

The competition, which will be hosted by the USOC, is also supported by the Department of Defense, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, USO, Fisher House Foundation and the Bob Woodruff Foundation, and will take place 30 April – 5 May 2012.

"We are excited to welcome our service members and veterans back to Colorado Springs for the third annual competition," said USOC CEO Scott Blackmun. "These Games truly exemplify the fighting spirit within each and every one of these athletes, all who have sacrificed for our great country."

The Warrior Games were created in 2010 as an introduction to Paralympic sports for injured service members and veterans. The competition has become a springboard for many service members and veterans to continue participating in sports programmes in their communities after the event. Since its inception, medical treatment facilities, Warrior Transition Units and Wounded Warrior Battalions East (Camp Lejeune) and West (Camp Pendleton) have seen a more than 20% increase in sports programme participation by wounded, ill and injured service members.

In 2012, more than 200 wounded, ill, and injured servicemen and women and veterans are expected to compete in seven sports (Archery, Athletics, Cycling, Shooting, Sitting Volleyball, Swimming and Wheelchair Basketball).

All eligible athletes will be drawn proportionately from the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and Special Operations based on their disability.

In 2011, the Marine Corps defended its title as the Chairman's Cup winner for the second consecutive year for the service branch that won the most medals.

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