West Point, New York - The first full day of competition of the Department of Defense (DoD) Warrior Games began June 16 with track and field competitions at the U.S. Military Academy's Shea Stadium in West Point, New York.
Track consists of racing chair and standing categories at various distances. Field events include standing and seated shot put and discus.
In his first-ever race in the hand-cycling racing chair category, retired Fire Controlman 3rd Class Jason Reyes broke the games's 200-meter record. "Breaking the 200-meter record was amazing. I feel privileged to be here and being in the books just makes me feel more proud," said Reyes. "Navy Wounded Warrior - Safe Harbor is always there to help me progress and motivate me to do better," he continued.
Another first-time competitor in the DoD Warrior Games, Musician 3rd Class Abbie Johnson, won gold in the 100-meter dash and competed in four other races. "The 800-meter was a great race and learning experience. The other girls gave me a lot to push for and I gave it my all. I am just really happy to be here," said Johnson.
Team Navy brought home 14 gold, 12 silver and eight bronze track and field medals.
The second day of competition began with archery in the Gillis Field House. Archery is composed of individual and team compound and recurve bow categories.
Retired Airman Brittany Jordan, a first-time DoD Warrior Games athlete, competed in the visually impaired compound category and won the bronze medal.
"I was nervous because it was my first time. It is difficult because you have to trust the person behind you, that you are aiming in the right direction and straight at the target," said Jordan.
Team Navy athletes, retired Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Roel Espino and retired Machinist's Mate 2nd Class Christopher Lowe, competed in the individual compound competition. Both qualified for round one and round two, and then battled head-to-head for the bronze medal. Espino pulled out the win.
Thirty-eight seriously wounded, ill and injured Sailors are competing on behalf of Team Navy this year. The Warrior Games are being held June 15 - 22. Approximately 250 wounded warrior athletes are participating in the competition.
Navy Wounded Warrior - Safe Harbor (NWW), which sponsors Team Navy, is the Navy and Coast Guard's wounded warrior support program. Team members have upper-body and/or lower-body injuries, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, visual impairments, serious illnesses and post-traumatic stress.
