(COLORADO SPRINGS) — Host of “The Daily Show,” Jon Stewart, will host the 15th anniversary of the Department of Defense (DoD) Warrior Games at Colorado College (CC) in July.
CC announced in April that it would host the event, which showcases the physical skills and mental perseverance of wounded, ill, and injured service members on their journey to healing.
“As a community deeply rooted in military service and support for our nation’s heroes, Colorado Springs is once again honored to welcome the Warrior Games, a celebration of resilience, determination, and the unwavering spirit of our nation’s wounded and injured service members and veterans,” said Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade. “As Olympic City USA, we deeply value the power of sport to inspire, heal, and unite. To all the athletes, your courage and perseverance embody the very best of our country, and we are proud to stand with you and cheer you on.”
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Military activist and comedian John Stewart smiles while addressing the audience during the 2022 Department of Defense Warrior Games closing ceremony. The DoD Warrior Games, and the adaptive sports within, are a part of the larger DoD Warrior Care program. The adaptive sports program is just one facet of the continuum of recovery and care that wounded warriors receive. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Airman 1st Class Erin V. Currie) -
Team Air Force Warrior Games athletes pose for a photo with Brigadier Gen. Richard A. Harrison, Deputy Chief of Staff United States Army Training and Doctrine Command, following a make-up medal ceremony at the 2022 Department of Defense Warrior Games, August 28th, 2022, in Orlando, Florida. The DoD Warrior Games serve as a way to enhance the recovery and rehabilitation of wounded warriors by engaging them outside of traditional therapy settings. Participation in these games showcases the service member’s dedication to the adaptive sports program, and their limitless potential through competitive sports. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Airman 1st Class Erin V. Currie) -
Athletes from Team Canada and Team Army pose with distinguished visitors following a distinguished visitors seated volleyball game at the 2022 Department of Defense Warrior Games, August 28th, 2022, in Orlando, Florida. Created in 2010, the DoD Warrior Games introduces wounded, ill and injured service members and veterans to Paralympic-style sports. These games showcase the resilient spirit of today’s service members across all branches of the military, including partner nations. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Airman 1st Class Erin V. Currie) -
Military activist and comedian John Stewart celebrates scoring a point during a distinguished visitors seated volleyball game against Team Army and Canada at the 2022 Department of Defense Warrior Games, August 28th, 2022, in Orlando, Florida. The DoD Warrior Games, and the adaptive sports within, are a part of the larger DoD WarriorCare program. The adaptive sports program is just one facet of the continuum of recovery and care that wounded warriors receive. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Airman 1st Class Erin V. Currie) -
Team Air Force athletes pose with General Paul E. Funk, U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Commander, after winning the gold medal in seated volleyball at the 2022 Department of Defense Warrior Games, August 28th, 2022, in Orlando, Florida. Each year, athletes representing the U.S. Marine Corps, Army, Navy, Air Force, Special Operations Command, and five international teams compete in the DoD Warrior Games. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Airman 1st Class Erin V. Currie) -
Team Air Force athletes pose with Team Ukraine and Team Navy athletes following a medal ceremony for seated volleyball at the 2022 Department of Defense Warrior Games, August 28th, 2022, in Orlando, Florida. The DoD Warrior Games feature a variety of adaptive sports such as wheelchair basketball, archery, sitting volleyball, and many more. These sports provide reconditioning activities and competitive athletic opportunities to all wounded, ill and injured service members in effort to improve their quality of life throughout the continuum of recovery and transition. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Airman 1st Class Erin V. Currie) -
Team Air Force athletes play against Team Ukraine for the gold medal in seated volleyball at the 2022 Department of Defense Warrior Games, August 28th, 2022, in Orlando, Florida. The DoD Warrior Games serve as a way to enhance the recovery and rehabilitation of wounded warriors by engaging them outside of traditional therapy settings. Participation in these games showcases the service member’s dedication to the adaptive sports program, and their limitless potential through competitive sports. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Airman 1st Class Erin V. Currie) -
Team Air Force Warrior Games athletes block the net during the gold medal match for seated volleyball against Team Ukraine at the 2022 Department of Defense Warrior Games, August 28th, 2022, in Orlando, Florida. The DoD Warrior Games program aims to inspire recovery through adaptive physical fitness and to encourage new opportunities for growth and achievement for wounded, ill or injured service members and veterans. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Airman 1st Class Erin V. Currie) -
U.S. Air Force Senior MSgt. Brian Williams, a Team Air Force Warrior Games athlete, serves the ball during the gold medal match for seated volleyball against Team Ukraine at the 2022 Department of Defense Warrior Games, August 28th, 2022, in Orlando, Florida. The DoD Warrior Games feature a variety of adaptive sports such as wheelchair basketball, archery, sitting volleyball, and many more. These sports provide reconditioning activities and competitive athletic opportunities to all wounded, ill and injured service members in effort to improve their quality of life throughout the continuum of recovery and transition. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Airman 1st Class Erin V. Currie) -
TAMPA, FLORIDA – JUNE 22: Jon Stewart speaks on stage during the opening ceremony of the 2019 Warrior Games at Amalie Arena on June 22, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Colorado Springs last hosted the games in 2018. This year, 200 athletes from five teams of participants will be representing all military services: U.S. Army, Marine Corps, Navy/Coast Guard, Air Force/Space Force, and the U.S. Special Operations Command. The participants will be competing in 11 different adaptive sports, including:
- Archery
- Cycling
- Field
- Indoor Rowing
- Powerlifting
- Precision Air Sports
- Sitting Volleyball
- Swimming
- Track
- Wheelchair Basketball
- Wheelchair Rugby
For a full schedule of events, click here.
The DoD Warrior Games served as the inspiration for the Invictus Games. In 2013, the United Kingdom was invited to participate, marking the first time an international team competed. That year, Prince Harry drew inspiration from the event to launch the Invictus Games. Stewart has hosted the Warrior Games since 2015.
Originally hosted in Colorado Springs for its first five years, the games return 15 years later—continuing to inspire, empower, and honor the spirit of our nation’s heroes.
The games will take place at CC from July 18-26.
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