Event sponsors, competitors, and Warrior Games personnel speak during an official media event at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida, Aug. 7, 2026. Held during the 2027 Department of War Warrior Games One-Year-Out event, the event featured the announcement of the official competition dates of Aug. 7-14, 2027, the revealing of the 2027 games theme "Ignite the Spirit," and the official addition of pickleball as a medal sport. The Warrior Games celebrate the resilience, recovery, and athletic achievements of wounded, ill, and injured active-duty service members and veterans. (U.S. Army video by Dakota J. Pope)
Retired U.S. Army Capt. Tony J. Smith discusses his journey of recovery and renewed purpose through adaptive sports during the 2026 Warrior Games in San Antonio, Texas. After stepping away from active-duty service, Smith found confidence, camaraderie and a renewed sense of direction through competition. Smith earned a bronze medal in the powerlifting competition in his weight class and reflects on how the Warrior Games have helped him...
