The Washington Nationals and the Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team have joined together to announce a partnership that will align the two teams in support of one another.
The team made their official public debut as the Washington Nationals Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team on Sunday, Sept. 4 at Nationals Park, where they played against a group of D.C.-area celebrities in a free on-field exhibition game following the series finale between the Nationals and the New York Mets.
This Washington Nationals Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team is made up of veterans and active duty military members from across the United States, each of whom has suffered a leg, foot or arm amputation while serving our country since the 9/11 attacks. The team was created earlier this year by coach David Van Sleet to bring attention to the sacrifice and resilience of our military service members.
“The Lerner family and the Nationals are honored to work with this remarkable group of active duty and veteran service members, who encourage all of us to face our own challenges with the same tenacity as they have,” Mark D. Lerner, principal owner of the Washington Nationals stated in a press release. “They are a great inspiration to all Americans, and the Nationals look forward to partnering with this team and continuing our support of the military community for many years to come.”
In conjunction with the Nationals’ various military outreach efforts, this partnership will help further demonstrate to other amputees and the general public that these athletes — through extensive rehabilitation and training — are able to enjoy the sport they love while proving that “life without a limb is limitless.”
“We are excited to have the support of a team like the Nationals, whose players, coaches and executives have proven time and time again how committed they are to the military,” Van Sleet said. “In addition, partnering with the Nationals gives our players a greater platform from which to motivate others to overcome adversity in their own lives. Our partnership with the Nationals is a perfect fit for us and for the baseball community.”
