DVIDS – News – JBSA SRU holds adaptive sports camp

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-SAM HOUSTON, Texas, Nov. 14, 2024 — Joint Base San Antonio Soldier Recovery Command will host its 3rd Annual Adaptive Sports Camp and Local trials were held at various locations in Texas. Fort Sam Houston installation.

Dr. Jamie Berreth, Adaptive Reconditioning Program Manager, began the opening ceremony and explained the history of the camp and the goals of the program.

“JBSA was once an adaptive sports powerhouse,” Velez said. “When I came here in 2021, there was no adaptive sports program. A few months later, Ms. Lorraine Callow joined the program and said we need to put JBSA adaptive sports back on the map. I have decided.”

Over the past three years, SRU has developed an experienced staff, increased access to coaching and practices throughout the year as part of the monthly AR program, and multiple staff members have completed certification courses to coach a variety of adaptive sports. I did.

This year’s Adaptive Sports Camp featured 11 sports (wheelchair basketball, sitting volleyball, track and field, archery, swimming, powerlifting, rowing, bicycle air rifle, and air pistol) and featured pickleball as an exhibition sport.

All events are designed for beginners, and many of this year’s soldiers were attending camp for the first time.

“I feel like it’s a chance to branch out and try different sports. It’s an event I’ve never done before,” said Sgt. Hope Gonzalez. “Wheelchair basketball was never my cup of tea, but I really enjoyed it when I tried it. It gives me the confidence to try new things, even if I don’t know what I’m doing.”

Gonzalez deals with “invisible” injuries and illnesses like anxiety and depression. “I was just trying to understand myself better, learn, and learn how to communicate,” she explained while talking about how she ended up at SRU. “People come up to you and you know there’s nothing wrong. But there’s an opportunity to educate (them) about invisible injuries, and I definitely would.”

Sergeant First Class Mark Sullivan, a below-knee amputee, has been battling his injuries since being deployed more than a decade ago. “While I was in Afghanistan in 2013, I tore some ligaments and tendons in my left ankle,” he said. “That’s when I had surgery. And after 10 years in the infantry and three years as a drill sergeant, I needed a revision.”

The revision became infected, and after a year of trying to salvage the limb, Sullivan decided to forego numerous surgeries and opt for amputation. As part of his recovery, he began participating in adaptive sports.

“Adaptive sports are so important,” Sullivan says. “Especially for the soldiers who are dealing with very serious medical issues in the SRU. It gives you a chance to have a purpose again. If you’ve been in the military a long time, or if you’ve just joined the military, there’s some degree of… You need motivation, and when you get injured and you don’t have that, (adaptive sports) are a good way to connect with other Soldiers.”

Corporal Gavin Bushinel feels adaptive sports are a way to get a fresh start, regardless of injury.

While on assignment in South Korea, Bushinel said everything fell on him. He has spent the last 3-4 years in and out of behavioral health conditions. “I was at the lowest point in my life when it happened,” he said. “I spent some time there as an inpatient (in South Korea). Fortunately, the medical team at Camp Humphreys was absolutely amazing.”

Bushinel explained that looking back on his situation, it definitely could have been worse.

“When you get to SRU, at first you say, ‘I don’t know what this is, I’m just making an appointment,'” Bicinell added. “But I have met so many wonderful people here, both patients and staff, who have taught me so much about looking at myself and how to look within myself. It taught me how to ground myself and how to just go out and experience the world, not just the world.”I’m sitting alone in my room. ”

During the camp, AR staff observed the participants’ performance, leadership skills, attitude, and how they contributed to the team. They will use that information to determine who will be sent to Army Trials in April to compete for a spot on Team Army at the 2025 Department of Defense Warrior Games to be held this summer in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

“I have met many warrior athletes who feel that adaptive sports saved their lives,” Velez said.

Bushinel said adaptive sports can make you feel like you’ve regained a lost purpose.

Sullivan believes the program is great because it shows people with below-the-knee amputations can still be physically active, compete, and have the motivation and confidence to keep moving forward.

Gonzalez said he is recovering and overcoming many fears. “I’m in a slow recovery process,” she explained. “Overcoming my lack of self-confidence is the biggest thing I feel like I accomplished here. I think adaptive sports are great.”