Strong winds Friday delay opening events of Warrior Games at Air Force Academy
Organizers of the annual Warrior Games canceled all track and field events Friday due to strong winds.
The ninth annual games are being held at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs.
Windy weather late Friday scattered several tents, damaged some banners and caused enough of a mess to have the outdoor events rescheduled to Saturday morning.
“We were all down there setting up, and the winds were very strong,” said Col. Cary Happ, a spokeswoman for the games. “The (operations) center made a decision for athletes’ safety (to) not have folks stick around and take a chance. Let’s just go ahead and shift operations to (Saturday).”
Meanwhile, at several indoor venues, other sports teams practiced or trained for their upcoming competitions. Wheelchair basketball, sitting volleyball, archery, air rifle target shooting and swimming are among the sports featured.
The games feature active duty and retired military members who were injured or disabled during their service.
But one key participant at the games is Lee Montgomery, a civilian. Montgomery is disabled because of a birth defect and is a coach and trainer for wheelchair basketball.
“There are a few challenges, but these guys have a big heart,” he said. “They’re eager to continue their lives. They don’t let the disabilities that they incurred slow them down.”
Marine Staff Sgt. Benjamin Cook has ankle and back injuries, and will soon receive a medical discharge.
“I like target shooting,” he said. “It’s fun and relaxing to me. In a sense, it’s a form of therapy. I’ve found it to be somewhat helpful in my recovery.”
Another Marine, Lance Cpl. Kira Lavine, said swimming every day helps her cope with mental illness.
“All of my built-up anxiety or stress — getting into the pool for an hour a day, I’m releasing it all, and I’m so much better,” she said. “I’m in a better place mentally.”
The games’ opening ceremony is scheduled for Saturday evening, and June 9 is the date for the closing ceremony. Music star Kelly Clarkson is performing in a free concert as part of the entertainment on Saturday.
Organizers say 300 athletes from the U.S. and three other countries are participating in this year’s games.
