Injured members find recovery through sport

CFB Esquimalt hosted the 2019 Warrior Games training camp from March 25 to 29. Photo by Lyndon Goveas, CFMWS

Peter Mallett, Staff Writer ~

Veterans and currently serving Canadian Armed Forces members from across the country descended on sports venues at CFB Esquimalt and across the city, March 25 to 29, for the 2019 Warrior Games training camp.

They are preparing to represent Canada at the U.S. Department of Defense Warrior Games from June 21 to 30 in Tampa, Florida.

Even before their competition begins, the 40 injured and ill athletes are already declaring victory.

“This year’s Warrior Games training camp in Victoria was an overwhelming success,” said Team Canada’s Support Manager, Joe Kiraly, who works for Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services’ Soldier On Program. “The base leadership and the entire community came together to support this team of ill and injured athletes, who realize they can recover through sport.”

The international multi-sport competition is similar to the Invictus Games in spirit and features 14 sports: archery, cycling, shooting, sitting volleyball, swimming, athletics (track and field), wheelchair basketball, indoor rowing, powerlifting, wheelchair rugby, wheelchair tennis and golf.

Athletes got some high-profile encouragement from Canadian wheelchair and Paralympic athlete Michelle Stillwell. She stopped by the Naden Athletc Centre for a pep talk and to play wheelchair basketball and wheelchair rugby with Team Canada members.