2012 Warrior Games open

Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Katherine Hofman | Team Navy/Coast Guard warrior athletes retired Coast Guard Lt. Sancho Johnson, representing the Team Navy/Coast Guard, and his escort Culinary Specialist Seaman Judi Boyce, walked the length of the Olympic path being cheered by family and friends during the symbolic processional carrying the Olympic flame opening day of the 2012 Warrior Games at the U.S. Olympics Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo., Monday April 30, 2012. The ceremony brings together more than 200 soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, coast guardsmen, and British armed forces members, challenging each athlete to perform at their highest level in the week-long competitions in cycling, archery, shooting, wheelchair basketball, volleyball, swimming, and track and field events. The 35 warrior athletes are participating as Team Navy/Coast Guard, sponsored by Navy Safe Harbor, the Navy and Coast Guard’s wounded warrior support program, a key component of the Department of the Navy’s 21st Century Sailor and Marine initiative.  

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO, UNITED STATES

05.01.2012

Story by Petty Officer 1st Class Katherine Hofman 

Navy Wounded Warrior

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – More than 200 soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, Coast Guardsmen, and British armed forces members opened the 2012 Warrior Games at the U.S. Olympics Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo., Monday, April 30, 2012.

The 2012 Warrior Games opening day ceremonies began with the presentation of colors by NORAD-USNORTHCOM Joint Color Guard followed by the athlete processional. The warrior athletes walked the length of the Olympic path being cheered by family and friends. Following the processional was the symbolic tradition of carrying the Olympic flame.

Representing the Team Navy/Coast Guard and their respective services as torchbearers were retired Coast Guard Lt. Sancho Johnson and retired Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Nathan DeWalt.

Johnson, a three-time competitor in the Warrior Games, understands the honor and commitment it is to himself and his teammates to represent the team and the Coast Guard as torch-bearer.

“[The Warrior Games] provide a platform to give your best, because I’m representing the team, I’m going to give a bit more,” said Johnson.

Having participated in the Warrior Games since the inaugural year, DeWalt has seen the games grow in popularity and has realized the impact of the position of being part of the 2012 Team Navy/Coast Guard to both the community and the families.

“I felt honored and privileged to represent the team in a fashion that shows the most honorable kind of gratitude. It is a big event for the families and with all the media attention,” he said.

Each of the military branches and Special Operations Command were given the honor of participating in the torch relay. Culminating the presentation were the honorary torchbearers Melissa Stockwell, U.S. Army Veteran and Paralympian, and Simon Maxwell, Captain, Royal Marines, United Kingdom, who lit the cauldron above the visitor’s center.

Among the honored guests was Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff U.S. Army General Martin E. Dempsey who commended the warrior athletes for their service to our country and their ability to inspire each other, our military, and our country.

“For me, the [Warrior Games] embody the enduring resilience of our profession, because your commitment to teamwork and determination to persevere at these games are the very same qualities that led you to serve your nation, and make our military great. These qualities don’t go away. You have the desire to be part of something larger than yourself and that is now a desire that is fulfilled in these games.

Recognition of the athlete’s dedication and accomplishments was reiterated by special guest speaker, First Lady Michelle Obama, who commended the athletes as a source of inspiration for all Americans.

"No matter how seriously you are injured, no matter what obstacles or setbacks you face, you just keep moving forward," she said. "You just keep pushing yourselves to succeed in ways that just mystify and leave us all in awe."

The ceremony kicked-off the week-long competition which challenges each athlete to perform at their highest level. The 2012 Warrior Games will continue through May 5, with competitions in cycling, archery, shooting, wheelchair basketball, volleyball, swimming, and track and field events.

The 35 warrior athletes are participating as Team Navy/Coast Guard, sponsored by Navy Safe Harbor, the Navy and Coast Guard’s wounded warrior support program, a key component of the Department of the Navy’s 21st Century Sailor and Marine initiative. The initiative is meant to maximize sailor and Marine personal readiness, build resiliency and hone the most combat-effective force in the history of the Department of the Navy.

The Warrior Games, hosted by the U.S. Olympic Committee's paralympics military program, provides an opportunity for wounded, ill, and injured service members to participate in competitive sports against members of other branches of service.

For more information about Navy Safe Harbor, visit http://safeharbor.navylive.dodlive.mil, call 877-746-8563, or email [e-mail]

• Date Taken: 05.01.2012
• Date Posted: 05.02.2012 13:54
• Story ID: 87738
• Location: COLORADO SPRINGS, CO, US