Danvers native and Coast Guard Rear Adm. Edward “Teddy” St. Pierre will be joining more than 250 wounded, ill and injured service members and veterans at the 14th annual Department of Defense Warrior Games Challenge later this month in Florida.
The event, which runs June 21-30 at ESPN Wide World of Sports in Orlando, will see athletes representing the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Space Force, U.S. Special Operations Command, and the Coast Guard, such as St. Pierre, competing in cycling, indoor rowing, swimming, and track.
The Warrior Games are hosted each year by the U.S. Army Training & Doctrine Command, highlighting the exceptional physical skills and mental toughness of seriously wounded, ill, and injured active-duty and veteran service members. The event celebrates personal tenacity, perseverance, and the triumph of human spirit.
The Navy Wounded Warrior’s adaptive athletics program is designed to meet the abilities of injured or ill individuals with competitions that help build self-esteem, lower stress levels, and invite service members to rejoin a supportive team environment.
St. Pierre has served in the Coast Guard for nearly 30 years, with 16 duty stations throughout his career, according to an announcement. As he was approaching retirement, he received a diagnosis of atypical early-onset Alzheimer’s disease.
St. Pierre enrolled in the Navy Wounded Warrior at Naval Medical Center San Diego, which helped him and his family prepare for transition to retirement in Florida. He attended his first adaptive sports camp in February 2023, rekindling his competitive spirit. St. Pierre previously competed in the 2023 Warrior Games Challenge and medaled in swimming and track.
For more information about the 2024 Warrior Games Challenge, visit dodwarriorgames.com.
Michael McHugh can be contacted at mmchugh@northofboston.com or at 781-799-5202