San Antonio Selected to Host Warrior Games for First Time

Published on August 13, 2024

SAN ANTONIO (August 13, 2024) – The City of San Antonio has been selected to host the Department of Defense (DoD) Warrior Games in 2026 and 2028. This will be the first time for Military City USA® to host the event featuring hundreds of wounded, ill and injured military servicemembers and veterans who compete in adaptive sporting events such as wheelchair basketball, cycling, indoor rowing, sitting volleyball, and others as part of their recovery journeys. San Antonio was previously scheduled to host the 2020 Warrior Games, but it was canceled due to the pandemic.

"This is great news for Military City USA® and again highlights our strong commitment to our military community,” San Antonio Mayor Ron Nireberg said. “We will ensure that the commitment and sacrifice of our wounded, ill and injured warriors will be deservedly recognized by the citizens of San Antonio. We look forward to hosting these Games and welcoming the athletes as family to our great city."

According to the Warrior Games, its purpose is to enhance the recovery and rehabilitation of wounded warriors by providing them exposure to adaptive sports. Military paralympic adaptive sports programs help wounded service members and veterans build strength and endurance and draw inspiration from their teammates. Participation in the Warrior Games represents the culmination of a service member’s involvement in an adaptive sports program and demonstrates the incredible potential of wounded warriors through competitive sports. 

"As the former commander of the first Department of Defense Warrior Games held in Quantico, Virginia, I am thrilled to see the games come to our great city,” City of San Antonio’s Director of Veteran and Military Affairs, Maj. Gen. Juan G. Ayala (USMC, Retired) said. “I can't wait for our community to see the incredible abled athletes whose perseverance and resiliency are an inspiration to all who will witness these events. This news is also indicative of the City of San Antonio's steadfast, tangible support of our military, whether they be active duty, veterans or wounded warriors."

There is no financial incentive paid by the City to host this event, but San Antonio’s Mayor, City Manager and Office of Military and Veterans Affairs have advocated for the Warrior Games to be held in Military City USA® during military affairs meetings at the Pentagon. These games will be another opportunity to showcase the pride this City has for its military members.

“We’re excited to welcome the Department of Defense Warrior Games and recognize our wounded, ill or injured service members in Military City USA®, home of the DoD’s largest medical center,” said Jenny Carnes, president and CEO of San Antonio Sports.  “San Antonio Sports’ mission is to transform our community through the power of sport. We know that this competition is about more than just athletics. We look forward to celebrating sport as a means of empowering individuals, giving confidence, strengthening community and being an integral part of the recovery journey.”

Details about the sports schedule, viewing opportunities and more will be available closer to the event.

Learn more about the DoD Warrior Games at DoDWarriorGames.com.