LIVE OAK, Texas — A service member from Live Oak will be one of hundreds of wounded, ill and injured service members and veterans to compete at the Department of Defense (DOD) Warrior Games Challenge this month.
The competition takes place June 21-30 at ESPN Wide World of Sports in Orlando, Florida.
Navy Master-at-Arms 1st Class David Fuller will compete in archery, field, powerlifting, wheelchair basketball and wheelchair rugby, according to a military news release.
Fuller started in the Navy Wounded Warrior’s adaptive sports program earlier this year. He is described as having a "contagious energy" that lifted the spirits of his fellow athletes. Officials said in the news release that he's faced many challenges on his road to recovery, but is planning to get married less than a month after the competition and their first child is expected in December.
“I am finally in a place in my life where I can truly say I'm a better man for my children and family," said Fuller. "I am so grateful to be a part of the NWW Adaptive Sports Team and to have my fiancée as my non-medical attendant. We truly feel it has been a blessing and most importantly we have met amazing friends that we call family.”
The athletes in the competition represent all branches of the military, including the U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Space Force, and U.S. Special Operations Command. The military says adaptive sports can be greatly beneficial in improving self-esteem and lowering stress levels after serious injury or illness.
For more information about the 2024 DoD Warrior Games Challenge, visit dodwarriorgames.com.