An official website of the United States Government 
Here's how you know

Official websites use .gov

.gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS

A lock ( lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Warrior Games Bring the Magic

The Department of Defense Warrior Games are back — in a big way. 

An athlete bites into a gold medal.
Taste of Gold
Air Force Staff Sgt. Matt Cable, a Team Air Force athlete, bites into his gold medal after winning a heat in the 2022 Department of Defense Warrior Games powerlifting competition in Orlando, Fla., Aug. 23, 2022.
Photo By: Air Force Staff Sgt. Shelby Pruitt-Johnson
VIRIN: 220823-F-GC389-0722V
A person speaks on stage as confetti pours down.
Kickoff Event
Musician Darius Rucker announces the official start for the 2022 Department of Defense Warrior Games in Orlando, Fla., Aug. 19, 2022.
Photo By: Marine Corps Cpl. Mitchell Johnson
VIRIN: 220819-M-FO238-1365V
Athletes ride bikes on a road.
Bike
Retired Army Staff Sgt. Megan Voigt is in the thick of things while competing in a cycling competition during the 2022 Department of Defense Warrior Games at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Fla., Aug. 22, 2022.
Photo By: Army Sgt. Henry Villarama
VIRIN: 220822-A-AR102-1127

After a two-year COVID-19-induced hiatus, this year's Games are underway at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Florida.  There were big-name stars for the opening ceremonies — comedian Jon Stewart and musician Darius Rucker — and festivities welcoming families and friends at Magic Kingdom park. 

01:43
Play

Most important, of course, are the athletes — more than 200 wounded, ill and injured service members and veteran athletes competing in 12 adaptive sports, including wheelchair basketball, cycling, indoor rowing and wheelchair rugby.

{{slideNumber}}/{{numSlides}} - {{slideCaption}}
Photo By: {{photographer}}
VIRIN: {{virin}}
{{slideNumber}} of {{numSlides}}

{{slideNumber}}/{{numSlides}} {{slideTitle}} - {{slideCaption}}

{{slideInfo.slideNumber}}/{{numSlides}} {{slideInfo.slideTitle}} - {{slideInfo.slideCaption}}

They hail from across the Defense Department, Canada and, this year, Ukraine. The Games celebrate their resiliency and spirit. 

Related Stories