US Army to Host Department of Defense Warrior Games at ESPN Wide World of Sports

The 2022 Department of Defense Warrior Games, hosted by the U.S. Army’s Training and Doctrine Command, will take place at the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida from August 19-28.

“On behalf of the U.S. Army, we are truly honored to host the 2022 Department of Defense Warrior Games,” said Gen. Paul Funk II, Commander, U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command. “Our incredible warrior-athletes have overcome tremendous odds and we are thrilled to see their resilience and dedication in action. They represent the best of our nation.

The annual event, first held in 2010, celebrates the resilience and dedication of wounded, ill and injured active duty and U.S. Army veterans. Hundreds of elite athletes, including those from allied international nations, will compete in adaptive sporting events such as wheelchair basketball, cycling, indoor rowing and sitting volleyball, among others, during the games .

ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, donated for use and serving as a venue for the Warrior Games for the first time, is a 220-acre facility that includes several indoor and outdoor competition venues that previously hosted the 2016 Invictus Games. award-winning blends sportsmanship with the magic of Disney, making it the perfect venue for this year’s events. The DoD Warrior Games was scheduled to take place at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in 2021, but was canceled due to COVID concerns.

“These brave service members, wounded during their military service, have demonstrated their resilience and ability to overcome unthinkable odds,” said Jeff Vahle, Chairman of Walt Disney World Resort. “They are the truest definition of the warrior spirit, and we are honored to welcome them to the Warrior Games at ESPN Wide World of Sports this summer.”

The Warrior Games serve to enhance the recovery and rehabilitation of injured warriors by providing exposure to adaptive sports. Adapted military Paralympic sports programs help injured service members and veterans build strength and endurance and learn from their teammates. Participation in the Warrior Games represents the culmination of a service member’s involvement in an adaptive sports program and demonstrates the incredible potential of wounded warriors through competitive sports.

Warrior Games 2022 will once again be open to the public, inviting the community and the world to be part of the excitement and support these heroes.

More information about the DoD Warrior Games 2022, including all applicable safety and health measures related to COVID-19, will be available closer to the event. Learn more about Warrior Games at DODWarriorGames.com.