By Alyssa Ross, Navy Installations CommandMILLINGTON, Tenn. – A native of Harlingen, Texas, will join more than 250 seriously wounded, ill, and injured service members and veterans at the Department of Defense (DOD) Warrior Games Challenge June 21-30, 2024, at ESPN Wide World of Sports in Orlando, Florida. Navy Intelligence Specialist 3rd Class Gabriella "Gaby" Zamora will be competing against athletes representing the U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Space Force, and U.S. Special Operations Command. During the 10 days of competition, Zamora will compete in archery, indoor rowing, shooting, sitting volleyball and track.Hosted by U.S. Army Training & Doctrine Command (TRADOC) the DOD organizes an annual premiere and elite adaptive-sports competition, the Warrior Games. This year is the 14th Anniversary, highlighting the exceptional physical skills and mental toughness of seriously wounded, ill, and injured active-duty and veteran service members. Though there are medals distributed during Warrior Games, the competition most highly celebrates personal tenacity, perseverance, and the triumph of the spirit.Zamora began her adaptive sports journey six months into her stay at Water Reed Medical National Military Medical Center. Complications from a routine surgery almost cost her an arm. Doctors were able to save it, but some muscles died in the process. She was in-patient for more than a month and needed to learn to write, walk and talk again."Sports gave me a reason to keep going," said Zamora. "The many trips to camps gave me something to look forward to when I was at a point in my life when I thought I wouldn't make it, mentally."For more information about the 2024 DoD Warrior Games Challenge, visit dodwarriorgames.com.About Adaptive AthleticsTeam Navy is part of Navy Wounded Warrior’s adaptive athletics program. Serious illness or injury can profoundly impact that way of life, often confining a service member to a hospital bed and significantly altering their physical capabilities. Adaptive athletics have been modified to meet the abilities of injured or ill individuals. Sports also help build self-esteem, lower stress levels, and invite service members to rejoin a supportive team environment.About Navy Wounded WarriorNavy Wounded Warrior is an unbiased advocate that bridges the needs of commands, care teams, and service members in planning a way forward after a serious wound, illness, or injury. Staff guides sailors and Coast Guardsmen, with their families and caregivers, to create a comprehensive recovery plan, which provides a holistic approach tailored to individual recovery, rehabilitation, and reintegration needs. The program allows service members and their families to feel empowered and supported as they adapt to their new normal. Tens of thousands of seriously wounded, ill, and injured service members located throughout the country received assistance from the Navy Wounded Warrior.Sailors and Coast Guardsmen may self-refer to Navy Wounded Warrior, or be referred by a family member, their command leadership or their medical team.  Contact the Navy Wounded Warrior call center at 855-NAVY WWP / 855-628-9997, or email navywoundedwarrior.fct@navy.mil.

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