San Antonio to Host 2022 Warrior Games
April 11, 2021 - San Antonio
By Jade Esteban Estrada, Staff Writer | San Antonio Sentinel
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
- San Antonio has been named the host city for the 2022 Department of Defense Warrior Games
- The active duty and veteran service members will compete in wheelchair basketball, cycling, swimming, powerlifting, wheelchair rugby, and other adaptive events
The U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command has named San Antonio as the host city for the 2022 Department of Defense Warrior Games, Mayor Ron Nirenberg recently announced.
“On behalf of the citizens of our great city, I am both proud and excited to announce that San Antonio - Military City USA - has been chosen as the host for the 2022 Department of Defense Warrior Games,” said Nirenberg, who, along with Juan Ayala, director of the City’s Office of Military Affairs, has been working with Pentagon officials to bring the event to San Antonio.
“While disappointed with the cancellation of the 2020 Games, this announcement is welcome news for our community,” Nirenberg stated in a press release. “We look forward to collaborating with the United States Veterans Chamber of Commerce, San Antonio Sports, the military and our community partners to produce a world-class event showcasing our great city, our military partners and the community supporters who call San Antonio home.”
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San Antonio Sports, the nonprofit organization that serves as the City’s sports commission, will coordinate sport and venue management of the games, including staffers and volunteers.
First held in 2010, the Warrior Games brings together more than 300 wounded, ill or injured athletes, including many from international allied nations.
The active duty and veteran service members - representing the Air Force, Marine Corps, Navy and Special Operations Command - will compete in wheelchair basketball, cycling, swimming, powerlifting, wheelchair rugby and other adaptive events. The Games aim to aid the athletes’ recovery process and facilitate a sense of camaraderie and community.
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San Antonio had been chosen to host the 2020 Warrior Games, but the pandemic forced its cancellation.
“The Games’ events will be free and open to the public, and we strongly encourage our citizens to attend the Games - and be inspired,” said Ayala. “Military City USA looks forward to welcoming our nation’s wounded warriors and their families.”
Competition schedules and venues will be announced in the near future.
Jade Esteban Estrada is a staff writer for the San Antonio Sentinel, where he covers public health and other citywide issues. jade@sasentinel.com | Twitter: @getjaded