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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - For some the Warrior Games might be their first step toward healing but for Air Force athlete Steven Malits, it is his final stage.
Malits enlisted into the Air Force in December 2005 as a Pavements and Heavy Equipment Engineer. On his second deployment during a convoy, his truck ran over an improvised explosive device, injuring him for the rest of his life.
To Malits, the Warrior Games means he has come to his last step.
“It’s my final stage of healing in all and all.” Malits says. “If I can do this then I proved to myself I can do anything.”
In the Warrior Games, Malits participates in sitting volleyball, swimming and track and field. The games are a Paralympic event which also includes archery, cycling, wheelchair basketball and shooting. The competitive nature of the games promotes and strengthens resiliency that also applies to their daily lives.
Even with the athletes’ injuries, the games are not set to easy but are there to renew their experience of support and camaraderie within team environments, along with encouraging participation in physical and cognitive activities. This inspires physical fitness and new opportunities for growth and achievement.
“It’s awesome we have that camaraderie still, even though we are out there to win medals,” states Malits “It’s definitely a benefit of having a military event and coming out here to support our branch. It’s great.”
Not only are the games for the athletes’ growth but to also raise awareness of the event and programs available to all wounded, ill and injured service members and veterans.
“You have to get up, no doubt about it, and take it day by day,” Malits advises current and future athletes. “You have to keep trying, get back up every time you fall.”
For more information on the Warrior Games please visit the website www.teamusa.org/WarriorGames. For more information on the Air Force Warrior program please call toll free 1-800-581-9437 or visit the website www.woundedwarrior@af.mil.
| Date Taken: | 10.02.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 10.06.2014 18:05 |
| Story ID: | 144428 |
| Location: | COLORADO SPRINGS, CO, US |
| Web Views: | 30 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, The final stage in healing, by SSgt Tiffany Lundberg, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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