It will be the third edition of the annual competition in Colorado Springs after it began in 2010 while the event, which is an introduction to Paralympic sports for injured service members and veterans, will take place next year from April 30 to May 5.

"We are excited to welcome our service members and veterans back to Colorado Springs for the third annual competition," said USOC chief executive Scott Blackmun.

"These Games truly exemplify the fighting spirit within each and every one of these athletes, all who have sacrificed for our great country."

The competition, which will be hosted by the USOC, is also supported by the Department of Defence, the US Department of Veterans Affairs, United Service Organisations (USO), Fisher House Foundation and the Bob Woodruff Foundation.

Over the past two years, the Warrior Games has become a springboard for many service members and veterans to continue participating in sports programmes in their communities after the event.

Since its inception, medical treatment facilities, Warrior Transition Units and Wounded Warrior Battalions East at Camp Lejeune and West at Camp Pendleton have seen a more than 20 per cent increase in sports programme participation by wounded, ill and injured service members.

At the 2012 Warrior Games, more than 200 wounded, ill and injured servicemen and women and veterans are expected to compete in the seven sports of archery, cycling, shooting, sitting volleyball, swimming, track and field and wheelchair basketball.

All eligible athletes will be drawn proportionately from the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and Special Operations based on their disability.

In 2011 competition, the Marine Corps defended its title as the Chairman's Cup winner for the second consecutive year.

The trophy is presented to the service branch that wins the most medals at the competition.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


Related stories
June 2011: Charlie Huebner - There is a lot that I will remember from the 2011 Warrior Games
May 2011: Warrior Games kicks off in Colorado Springs
May 2011: USOC announce Medal of Honour recipient Giunta as torchbearer for Deloitte 2011 Warrior Games
April 2011: Fisher House Foundation confirms support for 2011 Warrior Games
October 2010: Major award boost for 2010 Warrior Games