MAY 1, 2025 | SPORTS | By Lilly Asano
Colorado College is set to host the Department of Defense’s (DoD) Warrior Games on July 18 through 26 as the competition’s main venue.
The games were hosted in Colorado Springs, Colo., from 2010 through 2014 at the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center and were later hosted at the Air Force Academy in 2018. This is the first time the games will be hosted in “The Olympic City U.S.A.” since 2018.
“We are thrilled to be part of the Department of Defense Warrior Games at Colorado College this July,” said Lesley Irvine, Vice President and Director of Athletics, in an article by the CC Tiger Athletic Department. “This event is a celebration of resilience, determination, and the indomitable spirit of our nation’s service members and veterans. We look forward to welcoming these incredible athletes to our campus and providing a world-class experience for them, their families, and the community.”
The Warrior Games were founded in 2010 to showcase “exceptional physical skills and mental toughness of military service members.” With 15 adaptive sports: archery, cycling, field, indoor rowing, powerlifting, precision air sports, sitting volleyball, swimming, track, wheelchair basketball and wheelchair rugby. Over 200 athletes will participate in the event, representing the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Coast Guard and U.S. Special Operations Command respectfully.
Events will be hosted between Reid Gym, Ed Robson Arena, Donald E. Autrey Field, better known as Yampa Field to CC students and Washburn Field.
“As a community deeply rooted in military service and support for our nation’s heroes, Colorado Springs is once again honored to welcome the Warrior Games, a celebration of resilience, determination, and the unwavering spirit of our nation’s wounded and injured service members and veterans,” said Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade. “As Olympic City USA, we deeply value the power of sport to inspire, heal, and unite. To all the athletes, your courage and perseverance embody the very best of our country, and we are proud to stand with you and cheer you on.”
The DoD has faced intense scrutiny from Democratic and liberal opposition since President Donald Trump took office in January, especially surrounding military Diversity, Equity and Inclusion practices and the appointment of Pete Hegseth as Defense Secretary. It is currently unclear whether the DoD was directly involved in selecting CC, especially following Interim President Manya Whitaker’s decision to sign a letter condemning Trump.