WHO WE ARE
The Courage Games celebrates the service and sacrifice of the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces through sports participation and competition. Uniting Veterans, Reservists, Guardsmen, Active Duty, and civilians through sport, the Courage Games develops camaraderie and the chance to dance in the end zone when the game is won; an entertaining way to get or stay fit and learn and affirm some life lessons along the way.
In conjunction with the Empire State Sports Foundation and the Tulsa and Gainesville Sports Commissions , the Courage Games turns the life altering experience of these men and women into a life affirming experience through team and individual sports. The Courage Games will start this September in Rochester, NY and in Tulsa, OK and finish in October in Gainesville, FL. The Courage Games will expand to other communities across America following the inaugural year.
WHAT WE NEED
We need to raise $180,000 ($60,000 per city) to conduct the event. Expenses include:
- travel assistance for participants (Veterans, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Active Duty)
- sports equipment
- venues
- officials/referees
- medals and trophies
- food service
- participant apparel
- etc.
IMPACT
Camaraderie
With all of the technology in use by people today, it becomes quite easy to put oneself into a self imposed “solitary confinement”. Face-to-face conversations and socialization are replaced by texting, tweeting, and social networking. This is a huge adjustment for many of America’s war fighters returning home to their families and friends. They relied on team work to accomplish their mission. Team sports keep the ancient ability of speaking to others alive and is a great way to practice this dying art.
Individual
The best way to speak to a person’s head is through the heart, which sounds like a worn-out adage, but is so true. The Courage Games provides the service members with LSD (not the hallucinogen), but Long Steady Distance. Exercise has a whole range of biochemical benefits to an individual’s well-being and behavior. Some of these chemicals can literally rebuild the brain.
Citizenship
America is the "Land of the Free" because of the brave. Members of the Armed Forces represent less than 2% of the population and many Americans do not know anyone in uniform. The Courage Games will provide the opportunity for the 98% to meet and participate alongside that 2%.
Science & Medicine
The Courage Games will also sponsor two symposiums focused on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) to provide updates for medical providers. The PTSD/TBI:2012 symposia in Rochester and Gainesville will spotlight the escalating presence, as well as the causes, research, and technological advances that encompass the treatment of PTSD and TBI, both in the military and civilian populations.
OTHER WAYS TO HELP
Times are tough and maybe you just can’t contribute, but that doesn’t mean you can’t help:
- Sign up to compete
- Spread the word and make some noise about the Courage Games.
- Become a fan on the Courage Games Facebook page