Team Navy Finishes Competition at the 2013 Warrior Games

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (NNS) -- The 35 athletes of Team Navy wrapped up the final days of the 2013 Warrior Games with competitions in wheelchair basketball, seated volleyball and swimming in Colorado Springs, Colo., May 15 - 16.

On May 15, the team faced the Marines in the first of the wheelchair basketball medal round games. The Marines won the game, 49 - 18, advancing to the silver match, while Team Navy claimed the bronze.

Following this, Team Navy's seated volleyball athletes competed against the British Armed Forces for the bronze medal. The game was close, going to three sets, and fans from both sides were on their feet. Ultimately, the British won the final set 17-15.

"Team Navy played its heart out; they left it all on the court," said Navy Wounded Warrior (NWW) - Safe Harbor Director Capt. Steven Hall. "They should be really proud of what they accomplished."

On May 16, the athletes hit the pool for swimming, the final competition of the games. Team Navy secured four medals - two silver and two bronze medals.

Navy Mineman 1st Class Linda Simpson took silver in the women's 50-meter freestyle (single-leg amputee (SLA)) and the women's 100-meter freestyle (SLA); she also claimed bronze in the women's 50-meter backstroke (SLA).

Retired Navy Lt. John Edmonston took bronze in the men's 50-meter freestyle (open) race.

"It was a tough race, but I pulled it out in the end," said Edmonston. "We have been working hard during the past two weeks to acclimate to the altitude and chip away at our times. It paid off."

Team Navy is sponsored by NWW, the Navy and Coast Guard's wounded warrior support program. The team members have upper-body and/or lower-body injuries, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, visual impairments, serious illnesses, and/or post-traumatic stress.

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/.