Walt Disney World Resort proudly hosted the arrival of the 2022 Department of Defense Warrior Games athletes on Thursday, August 18, with a Torch Parade at Magic Kingdom.
The Parade
If you were at Magic Kingdom yesterday, you would have witnessed the Torch Parade as part of the daily “Festival of Fantasy Parade.”
Commanding General of United States Army’s Training and Doctrine Command General Paul E. Funk joined several athletes in serving as Grand Marshals for the parade.
The athletes also took turns carrying the Warrior Games torch that will light the cauldron at the Opening Ceremony today at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, which start at 6:30pm. The ceremony will be hosted by comedian/actor/late night host Jon Stewart, with music by Darius Rucker.
The DOD Warrior Games
The Warrior Games, hosted by Army’s Training and Doctrine Command, will take place over nine days at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort starting Saturday.
The Warrior Games, first held in 2010, is an adaptive-sports competition that highlights the exceptional physical skills and mental toughness of wounded, ill. and injured active-duty and veteran service members.
The Games feature 12 adaptive sports including archery, cycling (both road race and time trials), shooting, sitting volleyball, swimming, track, field, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair rugby, indoor rowing, powerlifting, and golf as an exhibition.
Participating athletes represent the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Special Operations Command, Canada, and Ukraine.
“These courageous service members, injured during their military duty, have demonstrated their resilience and an ability to overcome unthinkable obstacles,” said Jeff Vahle, president of Walt Disney World Resort.
“They are the truest definition of the warrior’s spirit, and we are honored to welcome them to the Warrior Games at ESPN Wide World of Sports this summer.”
How to Watch
The 2022 Warrior Games, hosted by the U.S. Army, will take place from August 19-28, and will be open to the public to watch.
Select games will also be available to watch via livestream via vimeo.com.
For more information, including a schedule of games, visit DODwarriorgames.com.