AF trials underway for 2015 Warrior Games

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Jack Sanders
  • 99th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. (AFNS) -- --  NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. (AFNS) -- U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, British and Australian wounded warriors here are fighting for a chance to compete at the 2015 Warrior Games during the Air Force Trials Feb. 27 through March 5.

The trials are an adaptive sports event designed to promote the mental and physical well-being of seriously ill and injured military members and veterans. Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, has been the host of the trials since its inception last year.

More than 100 wounded ill or injured service members from around the country along with their support teams have gathered for the trials.

Air Force Personnel Center Commander Maj. Gen. Margaret Poore was one of the special guests during the opening ceremonies. AFPC provides personalized non-medical support and recovery coordination for the wounded, ill and injured Airmen, caregivers and their families.

"Hosting the Air Force Trials is a tremendous opportunity for us," said Col. Richard Boutwell, the 99th Air Base Wing commander. "Here at Nellis (AFB) and Creech (AFB), and the Nevada Test and Training Range, one of our priorities is continuing to foster a climate of dignity and respect. Hosting these games gives us the opportunity to help these warriors maintain their dignity. If you've ever seen them compete, they certainly deserve our utmost respect."

During the trials, participants are competing for a spot on the 2015 U.S. Air Force Wounded Warrior Team, which will represent the Air Force during the 2015 Warrior Games in Quantico, Virginia, this June.

Competition events include wheelchair basketball, wheelchair rugby, sitting volleyball, swimming, track and field, air pistol and rifle shooting, archery and cycling.

"We're happy to be hosting the trials again this year," said 1st Lt. Liza Flint, the 99th Force Support Squadron unit fitness program manager section commander. "We're glad to have received such positive feedback of the last trials and to learn and grow to better support the athletes this year."

For more information about this and other programs for wounded, ill or injured Airmen, visit www.woundedwarrior.af.mil.

For more information about Air Force personnel programs go to myPers at https://mypers.af.mil. Individuals who do not have a myPers account can request one at www.retirees.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-120510-068.pdf.