Wounded Warriors Hold Court at Penn State Sport Camp

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Nine members of Team Navy participated in a mini-sports camp focused on seated volleyball and wheelchair basketball at Penn State University in early April.

The camp marks the third collaboration between Navy Wounded Warrior (NWW) - Safe Harbor - which supports seriously wounded, ill and injured Sailors and Coast Guardsmen - and the Penn State Ability Athletics program. The event provided the wounded warriors an opportunity to train for the upcoming Warrior Games at a world-class facility under the watchful eyes of nationally recognized coaches.

"Penn State has been a tremendous partner and always welcomes our wounded warrior athletes with open arms," said Navy Lt. Megan Haydel, who oversees NWW's adaptive athletics program. "These camps serve as an important reminder of how adaptive athletics can really transform wounded warriors. These opportunities mean so much to our athletes."

The members of Team Navy went head-to-head against the Nittany Lions women's volleyball team in a seated exhibition game 5 April. The game, which was open to the public, took place immediately after the Penn State men's volleyball match against Lees-McRae.

"The camp has been great, and I am having a really good time," said retired Navy Lt. Rickey Bennett, who will compete in archery and wheelchair basketball at the Warrior Games. "This is what I anticipate eagerly; I really love all the camps."

Bennett was a Navy Chaplain who provided spiritual support to service members during multiple combat deployments. As a result, he sustained a traumatic brain injury and suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder. He credits his family, his medical professionals and adaptive athletics for helping him cope with his condition.

"These camps mean almost everything to my father. This is a big part of who he is now," said Bennett's 16-year-old daughter Bonnie, who accompanied him at the camp and provided daily support. "He has a good connection with the coaches and his teammates. This is where he feels like he fits in."

NWW's collaboration with Penn State, which kicked off last February, is among the first of its kind between a wounded warrior support program and a college athletic program. The partnership is intended to increase adaptive athletics opportunities throughout the region and raise awareness of its benefits.

"The camp is awesome. I loved the opportunity to travel to Penn State; I have never been to Pennsylvania in my life," said retired Navy Aviation Electrician's Mate Steve Davis. "You share rooms with these athletes and hang out with them, and you build a great bond."

Davis was injured in a motorcycle accident in 2008 and currently deals with lower-body impairment. He was first introduced to adaptive athletic reconditioning last November, during NWW's Wounded Warrior Pacific Trials in Honolulu, Hawaii.

NWW provides non-medical support to more than 1,025 Sailors and Coast Guardsmen, as well as their families. All enrollees in NWW are encouraged to make adaptive athletics - which has many proven benefits for wounded warriors - a critical component of their recovery plans.

For the latest news about the 2013 Warrior Games, visit the NWW Facebook page (facebook.com/navysafehabor). For more information about NWW and adaptive athletics, call 855-NAVY WWP (628-9995), email navywoundedwarrior @navy.mil or visit http://safeharbor.navylive.dodlive.mil.>
For more news from Commander, Navy Installations Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/cni/.