, /PRNewswire/ — The Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) is teaming up with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to host nearly 80 veterans this week in San Diego for the 15th Annual National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic. In addition to sponsoring the event, WWP will facilitate a weekly on-site clinic with cycling professionals from the non-profit Soldier Ride® program.
The VA’s National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic is a rehabilitative and educational hands-on program that provides wounded veterans from across the country the opportunity to engage in adaptive sports and recreational activities. The event — an extension of veterans’ rehabilitative care at VA facilities — introduces and enhances knowledge of various sports and modified techniques designed to treat specific injuries, including spinal cord injury, visual impairment, orthopedic amputation and traumatic brain injury (TBI). After being limited to virtual participation only due to the COVID-19 disease, this year the clinic marks a return to in-person sporting events. Activities will include sailing, surfing, adaptive fitness, kayaking and cycling.
“We are honored to sponsor this event for the fourth year and partner with the VA to strengthen warriors across the country,” said James Herrera, WWP Physical Health & Wellness Vice President. “Adaptive sports play a vital role in the physical and emotional healing of warriors who have been injured while serving our country. It is important for warriors to know that they can still play the sports they have always loved and even learn new skills.”
WWP’s Soldier Ride is a nationally recognized cycling program for injured veterans 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 help some of the most seriously injured veterans. These programs were designed to empower warriors to become well-adjusted mind and body and help increase mobility, improve sleep and reduce stress.
WWP’s annual Warrior Survey confirms that these programs and initiatives, such as the VA Summer Sports Clinic, are critical to the overall well-being of Warriors. A 2021 survey found that 3 out of 5 WWP warriors reported that physical activity helps them cope with stress or mental health problems.
Army veteran Eric Trinidad-Perez doesn’t let his vision impairment hold him back. This will be his first visit to the VA Summer Sports Clinic and an adaptive sports event in general.
“I’m legally blind now, but I’m still continuing my athletic journey,” Trinidad-Perez said. “I’m in the spirit of not giving up.”
Learn more about how WWP programs help warriors manage mental health through physical activity and connecting with other veterans.
About the Wounded Warrior Project Since 2003, the Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) has met the growing needs of warriors, their families and caregivers – helping them achieve their highest ambitions. Learn more.
