For nine days at the beginning of July, the eighth annual Department of Defense Warrior Games captivated Chicago through the determination and dedication of wounded, ill, and injured service members and veterans competing in various Paralympic-style athletic events around the city. On Saturday, July 8, the competition moved to UIC’s Flames Natatorium, home of the Flames’ swimming and diving programs, for the swimming events.
Swimmers from the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM), as well as the United Kingdom Armed Forces and the Australian Defence Force, represented their military branches in five events, with classification categories based on functional abilities. To accommodate the wounded warriors, certain events allowed swimmers to start from a dive, seated on the platform, or in the water.
“It was not just an honor but also a humbling experience to host this event,” UIC head swimming coach Tim Loeffler said. “The Warrior Games are much more than competition, they are about sacrifice, camaraderie, and compassion. UIC and the Swim & Dive program want to thank everyone who were involved to make this such a great event.”
This was the first year that the Warrior Games were held entirely outside a military or US Olympic Committee facility. UIC joined Soldier Field, the United Center, McCormick Place, and other facilities around Chicago in hosting the events and providing a memorable setting, as well as increased exposure and support for the competitors, their caregivers and families, and spectators.
Several UIC teams attended the meet and showed their support. In addition to Loeffler and the swim team, the men’s basketball, softball, and soccer teams were represented at the Games.
Loeffler continued, “This was an event that our student-athletes and coaches will never forget. It puts everything in perspective and shows how sports can bring everyone together. I know they will never forget this and they will take this experience with them in life.”
Head men’s soccer coach Sean Phillips added, “It put a very new perspective on athletic competition. It was humbling to see what people who have already made so many personal sacrifices for our country are still able to do in competition. The continued quest for success by these warriors was inspiring. Being around the Warrior Games at UIC gave me a more worldly perspective that I can share with our student athletes.”
The Warrior Games were created as a way to enhance the recovery and rehabilitation of active-duty service members and veterans with bodily and spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, visual impairment, serious illnesses, and post-traumatic stress by exposing them to the friendly competition and healing power of sports. Approximately 265 total athletes competed in this year’s Games.
Following the swimming events, the Warrior Game Closing Ceremonies were held at Navy Pier.
For more on the Warrior Games, visit www.dodwarriorgames.com.
Press Release courtesy of UIC Athletics.