LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (August 18, 2022) – Walt Disney World Resort guests witnessed a stirring tribute to veterans and military service members as 2022 Department of Defense (DoD) Warrior Games athletes assisted in the traditional Flag Retreat Ceremony at Disney’s Magic Kingdom Park. The athletes representing Warrior Games teams from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Special Operations Command joined Magic Kingdom’s security team respectfully lowering the flag on Main Street, U.S.A. The ceremony included a recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance and a performance of the “Star Spangled Banner”.

Earlier in the day several Warrior Games athletes also took turns carrying the official Warrior Games torch through Magic Kingdom while also serving as Grand Marshals for the Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade. Commanding General of U.S. Army’s Training and Doctrine Command General Paul E. Funk joined the athletes as Walt Disney World guests watched and celebrated the arrival of the Warrior Games to the resort. Video and photos of the parade can also be found at DisneySportsNews.com using the same steps outlined above.

The DoD Warrior Games, hosted by Army’s Training and Doctrine Command, will take place at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort, starting with the Opening Ceremony on August 19, followed by nine days of competition. The Warrior Games is an adaptive-sports competition that highlights the exceptional physical skills and mental toughness of wounded, ill and injured active-duty and veteran service members. The Games feature 12 adaptive sports including archery, cycling (both road race and time trials), shooting, sitting volleyball, swimming, track, field, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair rugby, indoor rowing, powerlifting, and golf as an exhibition.