Maj. Bruce Gannaway G’10, an alumnus of Syracuse University's Martin J. Whitman School of Management and Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs Defense Comptrollership Program (MBA/EMPA), has been named a wounded-warrior athlete who will represent the U.S. Army during the 2011 Warrior Games. The second annual games will be held May 16-21 at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo. The Warrior Games are a joint effort between the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) and the Department of Defense.
Gannaway is one of 90 soldiers representing the Army and among the 200 wounded, ill and injured service members from all branches of the U.S. armed forces who will compete in sports including shooting, swimming, archery, track and field, cycling, sitting volleyball and wheelchair basketball. The Army team consists of active and reserve-component soldiers stationed in commands around the world, as well as Army Wounded Warrior Program (AW2) soldiers and veterans.
"Working with the USOC team for the benefit of our Army athletes is truly inspiring," says Brig. Gen. Darryl Williams, WTC commanding general. "Warrior Games 2010 was an overwhelming success for athletes, families and spectators. I am excited for the opportunity our Army team will have to compete and win at the USOC National Training Center in May. I am confident that the memories our athletes will make will be carried with them for a lifetime."
The concept for Warrior Games was conceived in 2009 with inspiration from former WTC Commander Brig. Gen. Gary Cheek, along with USOC, United Services Organization and Ride 2 Recovery, with the goal of empowering wounded warriors to use adaptive sport to accelerate the healing and rehabilitation process.
"Warrior Games has proven to be a galvanizing effort that has helped Warrior Transition Unit Soldiers and AW2 Veterans get excited and motivated about participating and competing in sport," says Master Sgt. James Shiver, Warrior Transition Command non-commissioned officer-in-charge of adaptive sports.
"Physical activity has been proven to be important in mental and physical well-being; and, if we can help facilitate Soldiers getting off the couch and away from video games and other sedentary activities, everyone will benefit."
