USSSA is proud to support the Military and it's Veterans who have served the United States, risked their lives and fought to protect our freedom. For some going away for combat has meant returning home having sustained severe injury resulting in amputation. After playing the USSSA Florida Pride Professional Fastpitch team in Palm Springs, California this February. It has continued to be a busy year for the national Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team, USSSA sponsored organization.
Their own website describes them as follows: “The national Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team (WWAST), represents some of our nation’s bravest and most determined heroes, soldiers and veterans. These young extremely athletic men have sustained severe injuries resulting in amputation while serving in the military/war, and through extensive rehabilitation, they have become competitive athletes again. Their armor now includes prosthetic legs and arms, along with extreme perseverance and attitude. Together they comprise the national WOUNDED WARRIOR AMPUTEE SOFTBALL TEAM.”
This fantastic team of amazing men is being featured tonight on NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams as they came out to a WWAST ran Kid's Camp. These great players share their skills of the game with young kids who are eager to learn from their experience as well as find out more about their personal stories.
The Wounded Warriors are comprised of U.S. Army, Marine Corps, Air Force and Navy vets who have lost limbs post-9/11, while serving in the military. David Van Sleet is the founder and coach of the team who put it together about three years ago. The participants have competed in 28 states and 66 cities since that time. He a U.S. Army veteran, worked in prosthetics for 33 years for the Department of Veterans Affairs and decided to combine his training and talents to come up with the Wounded Warrior Softball Team. “I’ve always coached and played softball and the light bulb just went off one day,” Van Sleet said.
So tune in to NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams TONIGHT, June 16th 2014 to see this USSSA sponsored team.
As a bonus – here is the WWAST team being featured couple of years ago on NBC's Nightly News showcasing another Kids Camp they hosted:
About USSSA:
The United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA), headquartered in Osceola County, Florida, USSSA is the World’s Largest Multi-sport Athletic Organization. Founded in 1968, USSSA has grown to over 3.7 million participants, competing in 13 nationally sanctioned sports including Baseball, Fastpitch, Slow Pitch, Karate, Basketball, Soccer and more! For more information on USSSA and to register your team visit USSSA.com. Also be sure to visit USSSAToday.com for the latest USSSA News!
