Wounded Warriors Attend USOC Paralympic Military Sports Camp

By Lisa Rama, Naval Station Newport Public Affairs Officer

NEWPORT, R.I. (NNS) -- The third annual U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) Paralympic Military Sports Camp was conducted July 16-18 at Naval Station Newport.

The sports camp for injured service men and women, including Afghanistan and Iraq veterans, was run by the USOC Paralympic Military Program. The three-day event started with an introduction to the program aimed at assisting injured military men and women to reintegrate into sports.

"These men and women are used to being active. What we want to do is remind them that even though they have been injured, the opportunities to remain active still exist. They can still participate in sports they enjoy and there are programs out there to help them," said Roger Neppl, director of military programs for the USOC's Paralympic Division.

Naval Station Newport, with the help of more than 100 volunteers from commands throughout the installation, supported USOC staff and coaches with the events. They included archery, track and field, seated volleyball, swimming, rowing, biathlon, strength and conditioning and shooting.

This year's camp consisted of 59 participants. Thirty-nine were U.S. Army; 16 were U.S. Marines Corps; 3 were U.S. Air Force and one individual was a U.S. Navy Veteran. Some of the participants are still assigned to Wounded Warrior transition units while others have left the service and continue their rehabilitation and adjustment on their own. Lance Cpl. Matias Ferreira, 22, lost both legs below the knee in Afghanistan in January. He attended the camp on two prosthetic legs and participated in every event.

"We are honored to host this event again this year. These athletes are all part of our military family and it's inspiring to watch these young warriors overcome adversity, particularly for the Navy's future leaders, that are being trained here. Watching these athletes develop and grow, over a few short days, is truly awe-inspiring," said Capt. Joe Voboril, commanding officer, Naval Station Newport.

U.S. Paralympics is a division of the USOC and is dedicated to becoming the world leader in the paralympic sports movement and promoting excellence in the lives of persons with physical disabilities.