SAN
DIEGO, Aug. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Wounded
Warrior Project® (WWP) is teaming up with the Department
of Veterans Affairs (VA) to host nearly 80 veterans for the
15th annual National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic this
week in San Diego. In addition to
sponsoring the event, WWP will be on-site to facilitate the
weeklong clinic with cycling professionals from the nonprofit's
Soldier Ride® program.
VA's National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic is a rehabilitative
and educational hands-on program that offers wounded veterans from
across the country an opportunity to engage in adaptive sports and
recreational activities. The event – an extension of
rehabilitation care veterans receive at VA facilities
– introduces and strengthens knowledge of different sports and
the modified techniques designed to address specific injuries,
including spinal cord injury, visual impairments, orthopedic
amputation, and traumatic brain injury (TBI). After being limited
to virtual-only participation due to COVID-19, this year marks the
clinic's return to in-person sporting events. Activities will
include sailing, surfing, adaptive fitness, kayaking, and
cycling.
"We're honored to sponsor this event for the fourth year and
work with VA to empower warriors across the country," said
James Herrera, WWP Physical Health
& Wellness vice president. "Adaptive sports play a critical
role in physical and emotional healing for warriors who were
injured while serving our country. It's important for warriors to
know they can still engage with the sports they've always loved and
even learn new skills."
WWP's Soldier Ride is a nationally recognized injured veteran
cycling program that hosts warriors virtually and at in-person
events across the country. It is one of three WWP programs –
including Adaptive Sports and Physical Health and
Wellness – that incorporate adaptive components into athletic
sports and physical fitness to serve some of the most seriously
injured veterans. These programs were designed to empower warriors
to become well-adjusted in mind and body and help increase
mobility, improve sleep, and decrease stress.
WWP's Annual Warrior Survey confirms these programs and
initiatives like the VA Summer Sports Clinic are critical to
warriors' overall wellness. The 2021 survey concluded that 3 in 5
WWP warriors reported physical activity helps them cope with stress
or mental health concerns.
Army veteran Eric Trinidad-Perez is not letting his vision
impairment hold him back. This will be his first time attending the
VA Summer Sports Clinic and an adaptive sports event in
general.
"I'm legally blind now, but I still continue my athletic
journey," said Trinidad-Perez. "I have a spirit of not being a
quitter."
Learn more about how WWP programs help warriors manage
mental health through physical activity and connecting
with other veterans.
About Wounded Warrior Project
Since 2003, Wounded
Warrior Project® (WWP) has been meeting the growing needs of
warriors, their families, and caregivers — helping them achieve
their highest ambition. Learn more.
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SOURCE Wounded Warrior Project