Wounded Warrior Project

(Rockaway, Queens NY – June 27st, 2011) – As part of the Wounded Warrior Disabled Sports Project, a partnership between Wounded Warrior Project™ and Disabled Sports USA, severely wounded soldiers from the ongoing war on terror will have the opportunity to learn adaptive waterskiing, scuba diving and other water sports as guests at the 2010 Adaptive Water Sports Festival. Specially trained volunteers from the Fire Department of New York City (FDNY) will be on hand to teach these sporting skills to those with amputations and other severe injuries. Activities for this year include waterskiing, kayaking, scuba diving, sailing and fishing. The Adaptive Water Sports Festival will take place in Rockaway Point (QUEENS), New York from July 7-10, 2011.

The Rockaway community was one of the hardest hit on Sept. 11, 2001 and ravaged again by the crash of American Airlines Flight 587 just two months later. Yet, the community proved resilient and responded with a surge of empathy, and charitable endeavors. Most notably, the Graybeards were formed, a non-profit dedicated to helping those in need. It is through the Graybeards, Wounded Warrior Project, and Disabled Sports USA, that this event is again possible. Go to GRAYBEARDS.COM for more info

“With the war in Iraq and Afghanistan continuing, it is more important than ever that we all step to the plate to provide whatever is needed to care for and support our service men and women who are being severely injured while serving our country,” said Kirk Bauer, Executive Director of Disabled Sports USA and a disabled Vietnam veteran. “Disabled Sports USA and Wounded Warrior Project are helping to meet that need at the Adaptive Water Sports Festival. Our Wounded Warriors deserve no less.” www.dsusa.org

“This event is one of the highlights of the year and truly a community effort on every level. What an inspiration to everyone involved to see these brave warriors take to the water and see the remarkable change in their lives,” said Al Giordano, co-founder and Deputy Executive Director, Wounded Warrior Project. woundedwarriorproject.org

One of the highlights of the weekend is the invitation only Heroes in the Harbor Voyage on Saturday, July 9 at 6:30 pm. The dinner cruise on the luxury yacht Atlantis is in memory of Staff Sgt. Robert J. Miller, 24, of Oviedo, FL.; assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne), Fort Bragg, N.C.; died Jan. 25, 2008 in Barikowt, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when he encountered small-arms fire while conducting combat operations.

Wounded Warriors and key personnel from Wounded Warrior Project, Disabled Sports USA, and the Graybeards are available for comments and interviews. Photo and broadcast opportunities are available but certain events require scheduling due to boat/water access.

Sponsors of the event include: Wounded Warrior Project, Disabled Sports USA, Graybeards, FDNY, NYPD, Newscorp, TBS Shipping, Atlantis Mega Yacht, DEMA Scuba Tour, and Western Beef. Staff from Northeast Passage, chapters of Disabled Sports USA will teach adaptive waterskiing and sailing. Team River Runner will instruct kayaking.

About Wounded Warrior Project
The mission of the Wounded Warrior Project™ (WWP) is to honor and empower wounded warriors. WWP’s purpose is to raise awareness and to enlist the public’s aid for the needs of injured service members, to help injured servicemen and women aid and assist each other, and to provide unique, direct programs and services to meet their needs. WWP is a national, nonpartisan organization headquartered in Jacksonville, FL. To get involved and learn more, visit woundedwarriorproject.org.

2011 Honoree
Staff Sgt. Robert J. Miller, 24,
of Oviedo, FL

2008 Honoree
Video of Medal of Honor Presentation
to the parents of Lt. Michael Murphy