The fourth Warrior Games are over.
They began last Saturday, May 11, and continued through Thursday, May 16.
More than 200 wounded warriors from all Services and from the British Armed Forces competed for medals in cycling, swimming, track and field, archery, wheelchair basketball and, sitting volleyball.
Among the participants in the Games were amputees, cancer survivors, partially paralyzed men and women and those recovering from traumatic brain injuries and post-traumatic stress.
The Marines took top honors for the fourth year in a row. The American Forces Press Service reports that the 50 Marines who competed took home 93 medals: 34 gold, 33 silver and 26 bronze. The Army placed second with 81 medals.
But they all are winners.
Charlie Huebner, chief of Paralympics for the U.S. Olympic Committee congratulated all of the 2013 Warrior Games competitors during the closing ceremony and said, “While we celebrate medals, this competition is really an example of how sport can change lives. We hope these service members and veterans don’t stop here. The goal is for them to return home and get involved in sport programs in their communities.”
Here are some of the medal winners:
All photos and captions: DOD
The author is a retired U.S. Air Force officer and a writer.