Sports Fest Competition

  • Published
  • By Shannon Hall
  • Air Force Wounded Warrior Program

Everyone has had to change their lifestyle due to the physical distancing happening this year. This includes the Air Force Wounded Warrior (AFW2) Program, and how they interact with their Warriors and families, to include our sports staff and coaches on how they continue the Warriors training and competitions.

Since virtual sporting events have started, the AFW2 Sports Program has held competitions for rowing, archery and shooting, track and field, and the first ever Fit Games. These competitions allow Warriors to continue their training, keep their mental state healthy and connect with others while doing what they love.

“Warriors connect with others through friendly competition, and it gives them motivation to keep working out,” said Kallie Quinn, AFW2 operations and competition specialist.  “Virtual events also give warriors a good indication on their current fitness and competition level so they can plan their future goals.”

With virtual sporting competitions being so successful, AFW2 has planned the next one to take place on October 30, and this time it is a little different. The virtual Sports Fest Competition will include a multitude of events so that all Warriors can compete where they see fit.

“We have put 90% of our individual sports into the Sports Fest to engage Warriors with all types of abilities and interests to do something. There is something in this competition for everyone,” Kallie said. “And we hope competitors will take this time and competition to get up, get out and do what they are passionate about.”

The events for the Sports Fest include track, field, cycling, swimming, rowing, archery and shooting. The contestants will be required to video themselves completing their event and send it in to AFW2 staff and coaches. Coaches will go live on October 30 to discuss training and techniques for these particular sports and then will reveal the competition winners. 

“Our virtual competitions have allowed Warriors to connect, with a purpose, to our coaches and other Warriors,” Kallie said. “Sports can be a common language, no matter where someone is located, and the competitions give them a reason to get up and move.”

If you would like to enter into the Sports Fest Competition, please follow https://forms.gle/yeQspjkTcw4aPwwR8 to register and gain more information about the event. AFW2 is continuously hosting virtual socials live on Facebook to help everyone cope during this time. Visit the program’s Facebook page to hear stories of resiliency, engage in wellness activities and live sporting competitions hosted by Air Force Wounded Warriors. For additional information, visit www.woundedwarrior.af.mil to refer an Airman to the program, read about the program’s mission and learn about additional services offered to caregivers and families.