Carols Alcaraz is now the youngest man to win the tennis Grand Slam.
The 22-year-old Spaniard knocked off 38-year-old legend Novak Djokovic in four sets to win the Australian Open, adding to his two titles each at Wimbledon, and the French and U.S. Opens.
It’s got to be great to be among the best, but we met a group of warriors this week who treasure the chance to just pick up a racket and play.
Despite using wheelchairs, these heroes discovered they absolutely can play tennis.
“It’s powerful. It touches my heart every day. The path towards healing begins with movement,” Walt Piatt said.
Helping men and women who served heal is now Piatt’s life’s work.
The retired Army lieutenant general is the CEO of the Wounded Warrior Project.
“You have young men and women who in the course of serving their country had to accept the end of the life they thought they were going to have and embrace the life now they didn’t think possible,” Piatt said. “This is how you find that new path in life, of hope and a new purpose.”
These soldiers were trained to overcome all odds, and now they do so while sitting in a wheelchair.
Sharona Young said she appreciated the opportunity to be with soldiers again.
“We’re all kind of moving from a place of healing, and so it’s nice to be in a zone with people who can relate to you,” she said.
“It’s a sense of feeling capable again. It may not be the same as it used to be, but it’s still a way to play and have fun,” Mark Lalli said.
Lalli said his wife plays tennis and his goal has been to play with her.
This endeavor by the Wounded Warrior Project was made possible in part by a $1 million donation from Qatar, a long-time ally of the U.S.
“We appreciate the veterans’ role and we want to be there for support,” Qatar Ambassador to the U.S. Meshal Al Thani said.
The lieutenant general said thanks to generous donations from people, corporations and countries, the Wounded Warrior Project is able to keep its promise of being for the men and women who wore our uniform when they come home.
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