U.S. Congressman Brian Mast has introduced the Gaining A Meaningful Experience from Service (GAMES) Act to broaden eligibility for veterans wishing to participate in the Warrior and Invictus Games. The proposed legislation aims to extend access to necessary funding for these events.
“Recovery doesn’t have an expiration date, and our support for veterans shouldn’t either,” said Rep. Brian Mast. “My bill opens the door for more American heroes to take part in the Warrior and Invictus Games and reminds them that their service will never be forgotten.”
The Department of Defense’s Warrior Games is an annual event held each July, where wounded veterans engage in adaptive sports as part of their rehabilitation process. The Invictus Games, established in 2014, offers a similar opportunity on an international stage.
Currently, Congress permits the Department of Defense to allocate funds for military adaptive sports programs, including both the Warrior and Invictus Games. However, existing regulations limit participation to those who have incurred injuries or illnesses in service and are listed on either the Temporary or Permanent Disability Retirement List within one year of separation from service.
The GAMES Act seeks to remove this time restriction, enabling all eligible wounded veterans to compete regardless of how much time has passed since their medical retirement. This change would facilitate broader participation in these events and reinforce support for injured veterans during their recovery journey.
