Nellis to host AF wounded warrior trials Published Feb. 27, 2015 By Staff Sgt. Jack Sanders 99th Air Base Wing Public Affairs NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, British and Australian wounded warriors will convene here Feb. 27 through March 5 for the 2015 Air Force Trials. The trials are an adaptive sports event designed to promote the mental and physical well-being of seriously ill and injured military members and veterans. Nellis Air Force Base has been the host of the trials since its inception last year. The base is expecting to welcome more than 100 wounded, ill or injured service members from around the country along with their support teams for the trials. "Hosting the Air Force Trials is a tremendous opportunity for us," said Col. Richard Boutwell, 99th Air Base Wing commander. "Here at Nellis and Creech, and the Nevada Test and Training Range, one of our priorities is continuing to foster a climate of dignity and respect. Hosting these games gives us the opportunity to help these warriors maintain their dignity. If you've ever seen them compete, they certainly deserve our utmost respect." The trials' opening ceremony will be held behind the Warrior Fitness Center Feb. 27 at 8 a.m., with special guests, Air Force Personnel Center commander Maj. Gen. Margaret Poore; Las Vegas mayor Carolyn Goodman; and former Las Vegas mayor Oscar Goodman. During the ceremony, a cauldron of fire will be lit by athletes following a relay comprised of international allies and joint service members to mark the start of the trials. During the trials, participants will be competing for a spot on the 2015 U.S. Air Force Wounded Warrior Team, which will represent the Air Force during the 2015 Warrior Games held in Colorado Springs, Colorado, this fall. Competition events include wheelchair basketball, wheelchair rugby, sitting volleyball, swimming, track and field, air pistol and rifle shooting, archery and cycling. "We're happy to be hosting the trials again this year," said 1st Lt. Liza Flint, 99th Force Support Squadron unit fitness program manager section commander. "We're glad to have received such positive feedback of the last trials and to learn and grow to better support the athletes this year." Boutwell said the 99th ABW will support the athletes any way they can, including ordering trophies, arranging uniforms, providing shade, or securing foot travel. "We're supporting these trials by coming together and providing a true community effort," Boutwell said. "We've gathered more than 250 volunteers, both Airman and civilian, to come help meet the needs of the athletes during their stay here." The events held on Nellis AFB are open to Department of Defense ID card holders and their escorted guests. Trial events on Nellis AFB include: Feb. 27 · Air Force Trials opening ceremony · Wheelchair basketball individual skills · Swimming fundamentals Feb. 28 · Cycling · Individual swimming March 1 · Shooting preliminaries · Archery preliminaries · Wheelchair basketball tournament March 2 · Archery competition finals · Shooting preliminaries · Individual volleyball skills March 3 · Track competition finals · Shooting preliminaries · Field competition finals · Volleyball team skills March 4 · Volleyball tournament finals · Shooting preliminaries · Wheelchair rugby intro and practice March 5 · Shooting finals · Wheelchair rugby exhibition Note: March 1, the swimming competition final will be held at UNLV Buchanan Natatorium swimming pool. For more information about the Air Force Trials, contact the Air Force Wounded Warrior Communication Office at 713-823-5828 or by email at airforcewoundedwarrior@gmail.com.
