History of Warrior Games in Timeline

The Warrior Games, organized by the United States Department of Defense (DoD), is a multi-sport event designed for wounded, injured, and ill active duty and veteran service members. These games provide an opportunity for athletes to demonstrate their resilience, physical skills, and competitive spirit through adaptive sports. The Warrior Games highlight the importance of rehabilitation and the power of sports in recovery, fostering camaraderie and promoting the well-being of participants.

2009: Creation of Warrior Games

In 2009, John Wordin, in collaboration with Gen. Gary Cheek, conceived the idea for the Warrior Games during the Ride 2 Recovery 2009 Texas Challenge. Subsequently, discussions were held at the Pentagon with USO representatives, Gen Cheek, Gen. David Blackledge and Sgt. James Shriver. USMC Col. Greg Boyle and the United States Olympic Committee got involved.

2010: First Warrior Games

In 2010, the Warrior Games took place annually for the first time. Teams from the Army, Marine Corps, Navy/Coast Guard, Air Force, and Special Operations Command competed in adaptive sports events, allowing athletes to participate regardless of their disability.

2012: Warrior Games Family Program

Since 2012, the Warrior Games Family Program, led by the Fisher House Foundation, has supported the athletes and their families.

2013: British Armed Forces join Warrior Games

In 2013, the British Armed Forces participated in the Warrior Games as the first allied nation. Prince Harry, a captain and helicopter pilot in the British Army at the time, opened the Games. Inspired by this, he went on to create the Invictus Games, an international version of the Warrior Games.

2014: U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Training Center Hosting

In 2014, the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado, concluded its run as the host of the Warrior Games, having held the event since its inception.

2015: Sports Included

In 2015 and 2016, the Warrior Games featured eight sports.

2015: First DoD Organized Event

In 2015, the Department of Defense (DoD) organized the Warrior Games for the first time, which were held from June 19–28 at the Marine Corps Base Quantico in Virginia. Teams competed in eight adaptive sports.

2015: Wheelchair Rugby Exhibition

In 2015, wheelchair rugby was featured as an exhibition sport at the Warrior Games.

2016: Sports Included

In 2015 and 2016, the Warrior Games featured eight sports.

2016: Warrior Games at West Point

In 2016, the Warrior Games took place from June 15–21 at the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York. The United States Army hosted the event as the first in a rotational basis. Jon Stewart emceed the ceremonies.

2017: Warrior Games in Chicago

In 2017, the Warrior Games were held in Chicago, hosted by the United States Navy. Chicago was chosen over seven other potential U.S. sites, marking the first time the games were held off a military base or U.S. Olympic training facility. Sponsors included Boeing, Fisher House, the Pritzker Military Museum & Library, United Airlines, and the Bob Woodruff Foundation, among others.

June 2018: Air Force Hosts 2018 Warrior Games

In June 2018, the Air Force hosted the Warrior Games at the United States Air Force Academy. Sponsors included Green Beans Coffee, Fisher House, Amazon, Under Armour, and Dove.

2019: Sports in 2019

In 2019, the Warrior Games featured 14 sports including: archery, cycling, time-trial cycling, shooting, sitting volleyball, swimming, track, field, wheelchair basketball, indoor rowing, powerlifting, golf, wheelchair tennis and wheelchair rugby.

2019: Warrior Games in Tampa, Florida

In 2019, the Warrior Games, organized by the U.S. Special Operations Command and hosted in Tampa, Florida, achieved record-breaking attendance and featured a greater number of sports.

2022: Sports in 2022

In 2022, athletes competed in 12 sports at the Warrior Games: archery, cycling, field, golf, indoor rowing, powerlifting, shooting, sitting volleyball, swimming, track, wheelchair basketball, and wheelchair rugby.

2022: Warrior Games at Walt Disney World

In 2022, the Army hosted the Warrior Games for the second time at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Walt Disney World, Florida, after a COVID-19 pandemic-related break. Nearly 300 athletes attended, with the Canadian Armed Forces participating for the second time and the Armed Forces of Ukraine participating for the first time. The Ukraine team won a number of medals.