2026 Warrior Games start in San Antonio after 2020 cancellation

SAN ANTONIO – The 2026 Warrior Games kicked off in San Antonio this week, bringing almost 200 veterans from throughout the nation to compete in adaptive sports activities and construct neighborhood by means of restoration.

Events started on the Henry B. González Convention Center, marking the video games’ long-awaited arrival in Military City. San Antonio was scheduled to host the Warrior Games in 2020, however the occasion was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Warrior Games began 15 years in the past as a solution to help service members wounded in fight. The occasion has since expanded to incorporate veterans and repair members recovering from extreme accidents, sicknesses, and behavioral well being challenges.

“We’re seeing a lot of cancers, multiple sclerosis, things like that,” stated Chris Cox, deputy program supervisor for the Warrior Games, “as well as we see the behavioral health issues, your TBIs, your PTSDs. It’s just as important for those guys to get that teamwork back into it as the combat wounded.”

Over the subsequent week, a dozen sporting occasions will happen throughout San Antonio. Competitions embrace powerlifting, wheelchair basketball and pickleball, one of many newer additions to the video games.

For Navy veteran Matthew Leon, adaptive sports activities have performed a significant function in his restoration.

“Adaptive sports has just been a lifesaver for me mentally and then physically,” Leon stated.

Leon retired this 12 months after 20 years of service and a number of spinal accidents. Doctors informed him his motion would by no means be the identical, however with help from his crew and thru pickleball, he has been capable of compete within the Warrior Games twice.

“We don’t have to hide anything from each other,” Leon stated. “We’re all here getting better. We’re here recovering. So we just, we talk to each other, just like we’re brothers, sisters, and just have fun.”

Navy veteran Edmarie Medina stated she encourages different veterans, together with these transitioning out of service, to participate in occasions just like the Warrior Games.

“Don’t be afraid because we’re all the same,” Medina stated. “We’re all equal. Even though we’re injuries, we actually can be out here.”

The Warrior Games are free and open to the general public by means of June 20. To view the complete listing of sporting occasions with areas and instances, click on here.

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