Stories

Tag: Invictus Games

“Adaptive Sports made me better than I ever was.” ~ Sgt. Lydia Figary, Team U.S.
February 14, 2025 — Retired Marine Corps Sgt. Lydia Figary, a lifelong adrenaline junkie, had her life changed by a night jump accident in July 2022, which resulted in a traumatic brain injury and severe leg injury. After four surgeries and discovering adaptive sports in a Marine recovery program, she not only recovered but thrived, winning gold in swimming at the Warrior Games. Now, competing in the Winter Invictus Games in Vancouver, Figary credits adaptive sports for her transformation, emphasizing their importance in recovery and the support from fellow athletes. She continues to inspire and motivate others, recently winning silver in women's snowboarding and advocating for public support of the Invictus Games... MORE

Marine Corps Sgt. Lydia Figary wins silver in women’s snowboarding at the 2025 Winter Invictus Games at Whistler/Vancouver, Canada.

I AM Not Done Yet.
February 6, 2025 — Retired Army CW5 Bruce McCormick, now 61, is living a childhood dream by competing in the inaugural Winter Invictus Games in Vancouver from February 8-16. After a helicopter accident in 2005 left him with a crushed right ankle, McCormick turned to adaptive sports during his recovery at Fort Carson and Fort Moore. Competing in Alpine Skiing, rowing, and swimming, he emphasizes the importance of adaptive sports in his recovery and shares his journey to inspire others facing life-changing injuries or illnesses. McCormick's participation in the Winter Invictus Games represents his message of resilience: "I am not done yet," and he encourages others to explore adaptive sports for their recovery... MORE

Ret Army CW5 Bruce McCormick shares with the Team that he is NOT done yet and will prove it while competing on Team US at the 2025 Winter Invictus Games in Vancouver, Canada, from February 8 to 16.

Team US Member ready to climb another mountain at Winter Invictus Games
February 6, 2025 — Retired Navy Master Chief Steve Flemming, diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2018 and pancreatic Neuroendocrine Cancer in 2023, is set to compete in the inaugural Winter Invictus Games in Vancouver from February 8-16. Despite his health challenges, Flemming has embraced adaptive sports, inspired by a life-changing opportunity to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. His journey highlights resilience and the importance of adaptive sports in recovery. Competing in Alpine skiing, skeleton, wheelchair basketball, and swimming, he encourages others facing similar challenges to find and conquer their own "mountains," representing their strength and perseverance... MORE

Retired Navy Master Chief (Center) at the top of Mount Kilimanjaro in August of 2023.

We ARE TEAM U.S.!
February 6, 2025 — Team U.S. is gearing up for the inaugural Winter Invictus Games in Vancouver from February 8-16, inspired by the 1980 "Miracle on Ice" and focused on recovery through adaptive sports. Co-Captains retired Air Force Colonel Jacquelyn Marty and retired Army Master Sgt. Ivan Morera, both overcoming significant injuries, emphasize the importance of building relationships and resilience among team members. Marty's recovery journey began after a car accident in 2015, while Morera lost his left hand in 2013 due to a suicide bomber in Afghanistan. Both credit adaptive sports with helping them find hope and purpose beyond their injuries, and they aim to set positive examples for their children and fellow service members... MORE

Retired Army Master Sgt Ivan Morera and Retired Air Force Colonel Jacquelyn Marty are co-captains of Team U.S. They took a moment to strike a pose before talking to the team about bonding during the 2025 Team U.S. Invictus Games Training Camp located at Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM)

Soldier Mom will show how it's done at Winter Invictus Games
January 23, 2025 — Army Staff Sgt. Leandra Moehring, a stay-at-home mom who recently had her second child, is set to compete for Team U.S. in the Winter Invictus Games in Vancouver. After medically retiring last April due to a knee injury, she discovered adaptive sports at the Fort Liberty Soldier Recovery Unit, which played a crucial role in her recovery. Moehring, who won four gold medals in swimming at the 2023 Warrior Games Challenge, will now compete in swimming, Nordic skiing, and skeleton at the Invictus Games. She credits her supportive coaches and husband for her success and aims to promote adaptive sports as a vital part of a Soldier’s recovery, hoping to inspire her children with her achievements... MORE

Retired Army Staff Sgt. Leandra Moehring and her family.

Breast Cancer Survivor proud to represent Army on Team US at Invictus Winter Games
January 14, 2025 — Bryce Ewing's Army career was cut short by a breast cancer diagnosis at 23, but she has found new purpose through adaptive sports. As a medically retired Aviation Operations Specialist and mother of two from Warner Robins, Georgia, Ewing credits adaptive sports with improving her mental health and confidence. Training rigorously, she will compete in swimming, rowing, seated volleyball, and snowboarding at the first Winter Invictus Games in Vancouver, Canada. Despite having no prior experience in snowboarding, she embraces the challenge, highlighting the supportive community of coaches and teammates. Ewing's journey reflects resilience and the power of adaptive sports in recovery, providing her with physical and emotional strength and a sense of global camaraderie. Proudly representing Team US, she encourages others to watch the Winter Invictus Games for inspiration and support... MORE

Retired Army Spc. Bryce Ewing at her first powerlifting meet in Atlanta, Georgia, May 2024.

One Moment in Time
January 23, 2024 — Brandi Evans, a retired Army sergeant and medic, exemplifies the power of kindness and selflessness in the world of adaptive sports. Despite her own competitive drive and success, Evans made a pivotal decision at the 2018 Invictus Games in Sydney, Australia, to support a fellow athlete from the UK, Naomi Adie, in securing a bronze medal, a moment now etched in Invictus history. Evans's journey from injury to mentorship at the Fort Bliss Soldier Recovery Unit underscores the transformative impact of adaptive reconditioning and competitive sports on recovery and resilience. Her story serves as a beacon of hope and determination for soldiers facing adversity, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and community support in overcoming challenges... MORE

Retired Army Sgt. Brandi Evans (right) and Royal Air Force Corporal Naomi "Nomes" Adie show their bond as Aide crosses the finish line to win the bronze after the 1500-meter wheelchair race in Sydney at the 2018 Invictus Games.

I’ve been able to take my disability and help others.
January 12, 2024 — Retired Army 1st Lt. Christopher Parks recounts his life-altering experience after contracting a flesh-eating bacteria, leading to the loss of his leg. Despite the initial shock and challenges, Parks found solace and purpose in adaptive sports, particularly wheelchair basketball, which became his passion. He went on to compete internationally in various adaptive sports events, finding camaraderie and empowerment. Today, Parks and his wife are dedicated to helping others facing similar disabilities, exemplifying resilience and the power of community support. Through his journey, Parks emphasizes the importance of accepting change, seeking help, and never giving up, offering hope and inspiration to others navigating similar paths... MORE

Retired Army 1st Lt. Chris Parks, with his sense of humor and dedication to improvement.

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