Florida Heat Doesn't Stop Fun with Wounded Warrior Project

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Jul 28, 2016, 12:24 ET

ORLANDO, Fla., July 28, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Extreme heat and a chance of thunderstorms threatened a recent fun day of footgolf planned with Wounded Warrior Project^® (WWP), but the turnout and competitive drive kept everything moving forward.

Most warriors who attended were not familiar with the game of footgolf, but after a brief lesson, they learned quickly. Everyone came together and shared techniques with their teams.

Veterans recently played a game of footgolf with Wounded Warrior Project in Orlando, Florida on a hot summer day.

A veteran prepares to kick the ball in a game of footgolf with Wounded Warrior Project in Orlando, Florida on a recent hot summer day.

Warriors recently gathered to play a game of footgolf with Wounded Warrior Project in Orlando, Florida on a hot summer day.

"I loved having a new experience and being with other service members," said Navy veteran Yolanda Howard. "My team and I worked together all the way. I think I caught on pretty quickly, but I'd like to build up my skills at another WWP gathering."

Footgolf is a combination of soccer and golf, in which players must kick a ball to get it in the hole in the fewest number of kicks. The game can be played individually or in teams.

The warriors played a course with 18 holes, like a traditional golf course, and attendees made their way through the course in groups of four. Many of the veterans helped each other figure out different ways to kick the ball or warned each other about areas to avoid on the course.

"On one of my turns, I was in the sand and took a running kick approach, but I slipped and flew up in the air," Yolanda said as she laughed. "Once I hit the ground, I figured I might as well make some sand angels. I have to admit, it was hilarious!"

Throughout the day, warriors also had the chance to learn about other WWP services. WWP provides programs that focus on physical, mental, and emotional recovery, along with educational and employment goals. These programs are free to wounded veterans thanks to generous donors.

"Being with people who understand what I've been through gives me such a sense of acceptance," Yolanda said. "It gave me such a great feeling throughout the day."

Isolation is one of the most significant struggles wounded warriors deal with after serving their country. Sometimes it can be difficult knowing how to get past that challenge and rekindle bonds similar to those formed in the military.

"This was a memorable adventure for me," Yolanda said. "Everything – from the game itself to support from other warriors who were there – helped me enjoy this experience."

About Wounded Warrior Project
The mission of Wounded Warrior Project^® (WWP) is to honor and empower Wounded Warriors. The WWP 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, Florida. To get involved and learn more, visit woundedwarriorproject.org.

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SOURCE Wounded Warrior Project