SPORTS FOR HEROES PROGRAMS
Salute the Troops
Community-integrated distance races
Annual Races | Salute The Troops (salutethetroopswi.org)
WASA Wheelchair Academy
How to live a rich and independent life in a wheelchair
Rolling with the Troops
Racing, team sports and life skills testing through participation in major sports
Wheelchair Bootcamp for the Troops
Individualized CrossFit training and aqua-therapy
WASA Packers Wheelchair Football
Competitive league play within the National Wheelchair Football League
Hybrid Virtual Coaching
Connecting Veterans statewide
For more information contact Niki………
Kenneth Lee - Army Veteran
On November 12, 2004, I was severely injured from a suicide car bomber while deployed to Iraq. After a short period in a wheelchair, I resumed “normal” activities. But my physical injuries prevented me from participating in “normal” sports activities. On top of that, I was fighting a demon called PTSD.
During those dark times, I desperately needed something I was familiar with - sports. Sports were a big part of my life before being deployed, and clearly missing in my life after I returned from Iraq.
Adaptive sports were my lifeline as I struggled to get out of my “rut.” Sports helped me heal and reconnect with my community. Wisconsin Adaptive Sports Association (WASA) became a crucial remedy. I became one of the founders of WASA and also compete as an athlete in the disabled category.
"Since participating in adaptive sports I've experienced a better quality of life. My mood has improved. I feel stronger and less anxious. My teammates have become my closest friends"
Alan Lewis - Army Veteran
On July 16, 2003, while serving with the Army’s 3rd Inf. Div., in Baghdad, I was conducting a patrol mission when my Humvee hit an anti-tank landmine.
My life changed in a split second. I suffered severe facial and body burns, damage to my left eye, a fractured left forearm and severe lower body injuries that required the amputation of both legs.
I returned stateside to recover at Walter Reed Medical Center in Washington, D.C., where I met a fellow Iraq War veteran and double amputee who introduced me to adaptive sports. I am competitive by nature and wanted relationships with fellow vets, so this seemed like a good idea.
During the past 15 years, I have participated and excelled in adaptive sports, competing nationally in wheelchair lacrosse, basketball, hand-cycling, snowboarding and weightlifting. I am also a long-standing member of the Wounded Warriors Amputee football team in Milwaukee. I plan to now compete with the newly formed WASA Packers as well.
