In a display of unity and tradition, the city of San Antonio officially received the Department of Defense Warrior Games flag from Colorado Springs, symbolizing the transition of host city responsibilities for the upcoming 2026 games.
San Antonio, also known as “Military City USA,” has one of the nation's largest active and retired military populations.
“As the mayor of ‘Military City USA’ and a proud veteran, we look forward to hosting these historic games and welcoming our warrior athletes and their families,” San Antonio Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones said. “Like our military members, wounded warriors, veterans and their families, San Antonio is deeply committed to supporting those who wear and have worn the cloth of our nation.”
The Warrior Games, which have been held by the Department of Defense (DoD) since 2015, serve a purpose to enhance the recovery and rehabilitation of wounded, ill and injured service members by providing them exposure to adaptive sports.
The ceremony last took place in Colorado Springs, where its mayor, Yemi Mobolade, passed the Warrior Games flag to the San Antonio delegate Betsy Hove, assistant to the director of San Antonio’s Military and Veteran Affairs Department.
The moment was captured on stage with the declaration behind them: “See You in San Antonio.”
“As the commander of the first Warrior Games held in Quantico, Virginia in 2015, I am grateful that our nation continues to support these inspirational events which epitomize our service members’ resiliency and determination, something that ‘Military City USA’ has in vast amounts,” said San Antonio’s Director of Military and Veteran Affairs, retired Marine Maj. Gen. Juan Ayala.
Men and women representing the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Coast Guard and Special Operations Command will compete in a variety of adaptive sports.
Adaptive sports typically featured at the DoD Warrior Games include archery, cycling, field, indoor rowing, powerlifting, precision air, sitting volleyball, swimming, track, wheelchair basketball and wheelchair rugby.
Every year, the program hopes to inspire recovery and physical fitness and encourage new opportunities for growth and personal achievement, but also to raise awareness about the resources available through the DoD Warrior Care programs.
Normally each event has at least 200 participants, with each year typically bringing in more.
The public is welcome to attend the athletic competition to cheer on the wounded, ill and injured athletes representing their service and their commitment to excellence.
To learn more about the DoD Warrior Games, visit DODWarriorGames.com.