What It’s Like to Participate in the Warrior Games at Disney World
The 2024 Department of Defense Warrior Games are currently underway at Walt Disney World, bringing together more than 200 athletes representing every branch of the United States military.
The competing athletes are vying to bring home the gold medal in 11 different adaptive sports. While competing in just one of these sports is a feat in itself, Staff Sgt. Carly James is competing in six.
As she prepares to compete in swimming, track, indoor rowing, wheelchair basketball, and wheelchair rugby, the Disney Parks Blog talked with Carly about what led her to participate in the Warrior Games.
“I’ve been active my whole life but once I joined the military that sort of stopped. After getting diagnosed with PTSD, the Air Force Wounded Warrior program got me back into playing sports,” she explained.
“A lot of people don’t understand invisible wounds, because they can’t see it. Once I came into this program, I realized I wasn’t alone and I’m not the only one.
A Special Bond
The competition that the Warrior Games provides creates a rare bond between military members. When asked about the tight-knit community, Carly explained that the athletes have an understanding of each other.
“The Warrior Games program is important because it helps the wounded, injured and ill [active duty and veteran military service members] be a part of something again, not just rehabilitation and recovery, but making new connections. Sometimes it’s hard to explain. However, once we get together, we understand each other.” she said.
According to Carly, her favorite part of the Warrior Games is the connections that she makes with her teammates.
“My favorite memory overall every time I come to these events is spending time with other Warriors, making new connections and new friends and being able to compete alongside my teammates,” she said.
What Fans Should Know
So, what does Carly want spectators to know about the Warrior Games?
“I want them to know that it gets loud, it gets crazy, but it is a very fun, supportive environment and you are going to have the best time in the world,” she said.
The Department of Defense Warrior Games are free and open to the public now through June 30 at ESPN Wide World of Sports. You can also watch the events via livestream at DoDWarriorGames.com
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