By A sailor from Lagos, Nigeria, will join more than 250 seriously wounded, ill, and injured service members and veterans at the Department of Defense (DOD) Warrior Games Challenge June 21-30, 2024, at ESPN Wide World of Sports in Orlando, Florida.
Navy Seaman Kolawole “Kola” Arubuolawe will be competing against athletes representing the U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Space Force, and U.S. Special Operations Command.
During the 10 days of competition, Arubuolawe will compete in cycling, indoor rowing, sitting volleyball and track.
Hosted by U.S. Army Training & Doctrine Command (TRADOC) the DOD organizes an annual premiere and elite adaptive-sports competition, the Warrior Games.
This year is the 14th Anniversary, highlighting the exceptional physical skills and mental toughness of seriously wounded, ill, and injured active-duty and veteran service members.
Though there are medals distributed during Warrior Games, the competition most highly celebrates personal tenacity, perseverance, and the triumph of the spirit.
Arubuolawe joined the Navy in 2021 because of the professional opportunities it afforded him and his family. Shortly after, a routine wisdom tooth extraction led to a broken jaw and infection that required a graft from his hip.
During his recovery, he found solace and support through the Navy Wounded Warrior and the adaptive sports program.
He attended his first camp in January 2023 and represented Team Navy at the 2023 Warrior Games Challenge, winning four medals.
“Participating in Navy adaptive sports became a beacon of hope, allowing me to regain confidence and purpose,” said Arubuolawe.
“I am immensely grateful for the support and opportunities afforded to me by the Navy’s Wounded Warrior program.
“My dream is to pay it forward, using my skills to contribute to the security infrastructure for the country that has given me so much.”
