A Leesburg, Georgia, native will join more than 250 seriously wounded, ill and injured service members and veterans at the Department of Defense (DOD) Warrior Games Challenge June 2 – 12, 2023, at Naval Air Station North Island in San Diego, California.

Photo by Alyssa Ross for Navy Wounded Warrior

Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class (ret.) Gabrielle Varhola will be competing against athletes representing the U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Space Force, and U.S. Special Operations Command.

“Competing in the Warrior Games means the world to me to have adaptive sports in my life, and getting to see my teammates succeed,” said Varhola.

During the 10 days of competition, Varhola will compete in archery, cycling, field, shooting and wheelchair rugby.

Hosted by U.S. Army Training & Doctrine Command (TRADOC) the Department of Defense (DoD) organizes an annual adaptive-sports competition, the Warrior Games. This year is the 13th Anniversary highlighting the exceptional physical skills and mental toughness of wounded, ill and injured active-duty and veteran service members. While the structure of the Warrior Games Challenge may be slightly different than a traditional Warrior Games, athletes will still participate in a premier and elite-level adaptive sporting event.

“It’s been a true honor to serve my country,” added Varhola. “I’ve been able to help so many and see amazing places. It gave me direction as well as security for my family. I’ve been given a revitalized purpose to keep moving forward to help, mentor and inspire others.”

Team Navy is part of Navy Wounded Warrior’s adaptive athletics program, which is open to service members and veterans in the U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard with serious, non-combat or combat-related injuries and physical or psychological illnesses. Recovering Service Members rebuild their strength and endurance, while also drawing inspiration from their teammates.

Sports also help build self-esteem, lowers stress levels and invite service members to rejoin a team environment. All enrollees in Navy Wounded Warrior are encouraged to include adaptive athletics in their recovery plans.

Participation is voluntary and requires sailors and Coast Guardsmen to self-refer or be referred by their commands, chaplain, medical team, peers, or others for enrollment determination. Connect by phone at 855-NAVY-WWP (855-628-9997) or e-mail [email protected].