Finding Opportunity When Faced With Adversity

Physical Activity – Renewed Purpose

As Veterans, active duty service members, spouses, family members, donors, and industry business leaders arrived at the prestigious Plaza Hotel in New York City, for the Honoring America’s Wounded Warfighters Gala, it was hard not to be drawn to the bright lights and skyscrapers of New York City. I attended this same event a few years prior, and at that time, I had no clue how participating in sports again would positively impact my life and future.

As I sat there waiting for the event to start, I reflected back on my younger years. I quickly realized that some of my biggest moments and life accomplishments have revolved around sports. When I was thirteen years-old, I remember hitting my first grand-slam in baseball. Around that same age, I hit the game-winning shot in middle school basketball, advancing our team to the championship game. And in high school, I remember making that crucial tackle in the football game to stop our opponent from scoring the game winning touchdown. Sports, and the impact that they’ve had on my life, will always be something to remember.

While in recovery at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., I was barely able to walk a few feet on my own and spent most of my days participating in physical therapy. Being faced with this new obstacle, I started to feel a funk coming on. It got the point where I really didn’t want to leave my room, let alone attempt to participate in physical activity. I needed a change. I needed something to re-energize myself again. And just like that, I was almost instinctively drawn back to sports for that spark. I knew that being able to participate in sports again would be one of my biggest keys to a successful recovery, now I just needed to prepare myself for the long journey ahead.

From Small Steps to Shredding Slopes

Amidst my road to recovery, I was introduced to Disabled Sports USA (DSUSA) and their Warfighter Sports Program. The mission of Warfighter Sports is simple;  to   provide adaptive sports to severely wounded Service members and Veterans.  My first event with DSUSA was at their Hartford Ski Spectacular in December of 2010. They paired me with an adaptive snowboarding instructor and attempted to teach me how to snowboard. By the end of the week, after several falls and face-plants, I was able to successfully ride down the mountain and enjoy myself. This was the first time since my injury that I felt independent, confident, and empowered again.

Successfully being able to snowboard finally gave me the confidence that I was so desperately lacking. The confidence that I gained from that trip allowed me to able to challenge myself again. Since then, I’ve participated in several adaptive sports programs offered through DSUSA‘s Warfighter Sports Program and their partners. Sports are fun, there’s no denying that, but the impact from sports goes much further than just being “fun”. Like being in the military, participating in sports encourages comradery, requires teamwork, demands focus, instills confidence, reinforces discipline, and develops self-pride and one’s awareness. It’s safe to say that sports fueled my recovery and ultimately helped me find myself and my purpose again.  

Author: Wayne Waldon   
Physical Activity – Foundation for Fulfillment

I too had the opportunity to attend the Disabled Sports USA (DSUSA) Gala with my good friend Matthew, and it was an amazing experience. Before going further I wanted to thank once again all of the Sponsors who provide DSUSA the means to have transformative impacts for not only our nations Veterans but  all  those that participate in disabled sports.

Sports gave me the confidence to continue pursuing my dreams and provided a support mechanism through the relationships formed during these endeavors.  

Why should any of this matter to you or anyone taking the time to read this article? It is my hope that you will find that “spark” that makes your life more fulfilling, enjoyable, and healthier. Balancing the unique obligations/commitments that we all face; family, work, school, etc., it’s important to make time for whatever physical activity/pursuit brings you happiness.  

Making an effort to include activity in your routine will provide benefits in every other aspect of your life. If you’re already doing this, wonderful. If not, I would recommend spending some time to figure out what the best fit is for you, and to start making incremental changes to incorporate this activity into you routine moving forward.

Stay committed, and you will be amazed looking back at where this will take you.