Camp Pendleton to host adaptive sports event

Wounded military members from across the world are set to compete in a military adaptive sports invitational from Tuesday to March 12 at Camp Pendleton.

The 13th annual event, known as the Marine Corps Trials, is expected to draw more than 200 injured Marines, sailors, veterans and international competitors from Colombia, Estonia, France, Georgia, Italy, Netherlands and the United Kingdom.

The idea behind the event is for participants to “rehabilitate mind, body and spirit through competition and camaraderie.” For some participants, the trials represent a major milestone in their athletic goals and recovery.

The competition, hosted by the Marine Corps Wounded Warrior Regiment Camp Pendleton, is a way for wounded warriors to evaluate their athletic performance through individual and team sports.

The invitational is open to active-duty, reserve, and veteran Marines and sailors of all skill levels who are wounded, ill or injured.

Participants can compete in 11 sports ranging from cycling, archery, swimming, powerlifting and shooting to track, sitting volleyball, rowing, wheelchair basketball and wheelchair rugby. There will be more than 30 coaches to train athletes starting Tuesday. Competitions are scheduled to start March 4.

Recovering service members can also participate in transition events March 1 and 2.

The event includes three competing teams from Wounded Warrior Battalion-East based at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Wounded Warrior Battalion-West at Camp Pendleton and an international team.

The two wounded warrior battalions at Camp Pendleton and Camp Lejeune along with detachments around the world are overseen by the Marine Corps Wounded Warrior Regiment headquartered in Quantico, Va. The regiment was formed in 2007 and provides care for wounded Marines and sailors and their families.

Updates of the competition will be posted at woundedwarrior.marines.mil. Spectators can view the event in person if they have base access.