By Duncan Mackay

Warrior Games logoDecember 10 - The Warrior Games, an competition designed to support the recovery of wounded, ill and injured service men and women, will take place in Colorado Springs between May 11 and 17 next year, it was announced today by the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) and Deloitte.


More than 200 wounded, ill and injured service members and veterans are expected to participate in the event, which this year was opened by America's First Lady, Michelle Obama. 

They will comprise five US teams representing the Army, Marine Corps, Navy/Coast Guard, Air Force and Special Operations, as well as one international team from Britain.

Teams will compete in seven sports including archery, cycling, shooting, sitting-volleyball, swimming, track and field and wheelchair basketball.

"We are proud to host the Warrior Games at the US Olympic Training Center and the Air Force Academy," said Charlie Huebner, the USOC's chief of Paralympics.

"Paralympic sport has a tremendously positive impact on individuals with physical disabilities, and the Warrior Games allows us to salute these fine young men and women who have served their countries honorably."

Deloitte has been the presenting sponsor of the Warrior Games since the annual event was first held in 2010.

The Games are designed to introduce injured service members and veterans to Paralympic sport competition and encourage them to stay physically active when they return to their local communities following the event.

Michelle Obama opening 2012 Warrior GamesAmerica's First Lady, Michelle Obama, opened the 2012 Warrior Games in Colorado Springs

"It is an honor to sponsor the Warrior Games because they empower our service men and women and veterans to compete on a different field, the field of sport," said Robin Lineberger, chief executive officer, Federal Government Services practice, Deloitte Consulting LLP. 

"Rehabilitative sport has a long-lasting impact on both the athletes and on their families. 

"That is why Deloitte is proud to support the Warrior Games and other activities that further the recovery of service members and veterans through sports and athletics."

The 2013 Warrior Games Opening Ceremony will be held May 11 at the Olympic Training Center. 

The ceremony, as well as the Warrior Games competitions, will be free and open to the public. 

In addition to Deloitte, the presenting sponsor, the week-long event is also supported by the Department of Defense, Department of Veterans Affairs, BP, USO, Fisher House Foundation and the Bob Woodruff Foundation.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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