RTP Apparel had the opportunity to help support the Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team which held an event at Foundation Field in Hamilton, Ohio the weekend of August 17th-19th, 2018 to showcase that being an amputee doesn’t mean life is limited. This is especially a needed encouragement for children – such as Austin – an 11 year old who was born missing his right arm just below the elbow as a result of amniotic band syndrome (Austin in picture, on the right).
The WWAST is comprised of competitive, athletic veterans and active duty soldiers who have lost limbs while serving their country. The team includes individuals with a variety of amputations. Some are still in the service, others are attending college thanks to the Post‐9/11 GI Bill while others have moved on to new careers. They now travel the country playing abled‐bodied teams in competitive, celebrity and exhibition softball games, bringing their special brand of softball, courage and inspiration.
WWAST athletes are examples of amputees who continue to push the limits of modern prosthetic technology with more and more applications. Of course, the dream would be the return of our soldiers from harm’s way without the resulting loss of life and limb. Until such a time, their goal is to support and honor our soldiers and veterans sacrifices, and to show other amputees and everyone who sees or hears about them that life without a limb is limitless.
Recognizing the positive impact Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team™ (WWAST) players have on children with amputations or missing limbs, they created a softball camp for such children where WWAST players serve as the coaches and mentors. Kids Camp has become an annual WWAST event as they continue their mission to educate and inspire these children who face many of the same challenges as the WWAST players. They believe it is a win for the kids, and a win for the WWAST players who have already served their country, and who continue to serve in this important way.
Austin (pictured right at the top of this page at the WWAST even held in Hamilton, OH August 17th-19th, 2018) was fortunate to have participated in the Wounded Warrior Amputee Kids Camp in June 2016 in Washington DC. He arrived at camp one of 20 kids with a limb amputation and left camp a warrior with a new sense of self confidence, new friends and as part of a bigger family/team.
RTP Apparel was proud to be one of many supporters of this Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team event and salute those veteran’s of our military that have served and sacrificed so much for our country. You can learn more about the Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team at www.woundedwarrioramputeesoftballteam.org.
Another video produce by the MLB about the Wounded Warriors Amputee Softball Team can be found here.
