Story and photos by Chris Stone
Wounded warriors slipped off prosthetic legs and slipped on swimming goggles. They tossed basketballs and smiles. They yelled in exertion and with Semper Fidelis pride.
Wednesday was the final day of the fifth annual Marine Corps Trials at Camp Pendleton, a Paralympic-style event that began with three days of coaching and training. Other sports were archery, shooting, track and field, cycling and sitting volleyball.
Said Marcus Chischilly, a Navajo who lost a leg in Afghanistan: “The swimming and the competition test my abilities and (fellow Marines’). I’m really honored to be here. This means everything to me.”
Four teams took part — West Coast and East Coast active-duty, Veterans and Allies (the international team). West Coast and Veterans vied in the gold-medal basketball game, with the Veterans prevailing 35-26 at Paige Fieldhouse.
Hosted by the Wounded Warrior Regiment, founded in 2007, the event also featured troops from Australia, Colombia, France, Georgia, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. The regiment is headquartered in Quantico, Virginia, but has two battalions — at Camp Pendleton and Camp Lejeune, N.C.
“The purpose of the Marine Corps Trials is to provide an opportunity for all wounded, ill or injured Marines to further the rehabilitation of their minds, bodies and spirits through competition and camaraderie,” organizers said.
Other photos are posted on the Wounded Warriors Facebook page.
Medals awarded to winners in the 2015 Marine Corps Trials at Camp Pendleton.
Kyle Reid received a total of eight medals in his swimming and track and field competition at the 2015 Marine Trials.
Members of the British team receive their bronze medals in the 200m freestyle relay competition.
Jamie Sclater, Zachary LeClair, Marcus Chischilly and Kyle Reid celebrate their new record in the 200m freestyle relay.
Lance Cpl. Chuck Sketch lets out a Marine yell after receiving a gold medal for swimming. Sketch lost both legs during his service.
East Coast team members listen to their coach at halftime.
Sgt. Alex Nguyen grabs possession of the ball.
The international team (in green) and East Coast team were matched up in the bronze medal competition for wheelchair basketball.
A member of the East Coast team throws up his arms in celebration as his team won the bronze medal in the wheelchair basketball game.
Marines and members of the Wounded Warrior Regiment give encouragement from the stands.
Patrick Wyatt of the East Coast team takes practice shots before the game.
A veteran Marine reaches for a rebound.
A player on the international team takes a spill. Play was aggressive and several players wound up on the court after overreaching.
The coach of the West Coast team advises during a timeout in the gold medal wheelchair basketball game.
Teams West Coast (blue) and Veterans battle in out on the court during the gold medal match of wheelchair basketball.
Staff Sgt Justin Weathers scoops up the ball for his team.
A Marine at the 2015 Marine Trials competes in the 50m breaststroke at Camp Pendleton.
Lance Corporal Chuck Sketch accepts a swimming medal.
A Marine waits at the starting blocks for his race.
Jamie Sclater rests after a 200m relay.
Swimmers celebrate after their team broke the regiment’s 200m relay record.
A female Marine waits for her breaststroke heat.
Marcus Chischilly begins a 200m freestyle relay.
A female Marine swims in a 50m breaststroke heat.
Swim teammates John Shelton (left) and Timothy Childers discuss 200m freestyle heat.
A Marine competes in a 200m relay.
Marcus Chischilly (left) and Jamie Sclater celebrate after their team broke the regiment’s 200m relay record.
A Marine gives a fellow swimmer support after a breaststroke heat.
Kyle Reid’s leg tattoo pays tribute to a fallen comrade.
A member of the international team from Great Britain accepted another gold medal in the swimming competition at the 2015 Marine Trials at Camp Pendleton.
