By Gary Anderson

The US Olympic Training Centre was the scene for the action at this year's Warrior Games ©Getty ImagesThe Warrior Games concluded with the presentation of the Chairman's Cup to the winning Army team during the Closing Ceremony at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs.

The Army emerged as the top team over six days of action across four venues, including the US Olympic Training Centre, Fort Carson, the Gary Berry Stadium and the US Air Force Academy.

The Army amassed a total of 71 points to top the table ahead of the Marines on 54 and the Air Force on 48, while the Navy finished on 28, with 22 going the way of Special Operations.

Despite missing out on gold medals in the sitting volleyball and wheelchair basketball competitions, the Army performed consistently throughout to claim a number of gold medals in athletics, shooting and swimming.

Speaking at the Closing Ceremony, which took place during half-time of the Navy versus Air Force American football match, chief of Paralympics at the United States Olympic Committee, Charlie Huebner praised the efforts of the more than 200 injured and wounded service personnel who took part in the week-long event.

More than 200 wounded United States service personnel took part in the Warrior Games in Colorado Springs this year ©Getty ImagesMore than 200 wounded United States service personnel took part in the Warrior Games in Colorado Springs this year ©Getty Images



"We congratulate all of the 2014 Warrior Games competitors," he said.

"This great competition wouldn't be possible without the support of the community of Colorado Springs, our military partners and sponsors.

"This competition is about more than sport, it is about inspiring our service members and veterans as well as all Americans."

Captain Mitch Kieffer of the Air Force was crowned Ultimate Champion for the second year in a row.

Kieffer, who has a traumatic brain injury following an attack on his convoy in Baghdad, during a tour of duty in Iraq, was given the award following a second place finish in men's 30 kilometre open cycling competition, as well a third place finish in the 50 metres open freestyle event.

Also attending the Closing Ceremony was the vice-chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, Navy Admiral James A Winnefeld Jr, who paid tribute to all of the athletes competing and highlighted the importance of the Warrior Games in giving a sense of purpose as well as hope to service personnel seriously wounded in combat.

James A Winnefeld Jr hailed the role of the Warrior Games in helping members of the United States Armed Forces in their rehabilitation from injury ©Getty ImagesJames A Winnefeld Jr hailed the role of the Warrior Games in helping members of the United States Armed Forces in their rehabilitation from injury ©Getty Images



"It's tremendous support for our wounded warriors," he said.

"The Games also show them that ability conquers disability, which is very important

"These people have been through a lot - wounds seen and unseen.

"So we should do anything we can to help them recover from those wounds.

"It allows them to overcome adversity.

"It allows them to do it with people who are like them who have been through the same kinds of experiences they've been through.

"And quite honestly, in many of their cases, it's saved their lives.

"They'll tell you that quite openly.

"In other cases it's just lifted them up and made them feel a lot better about who they are and where they're going in life."

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