Moments of inspiration are being made in Mungyeong, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, where the 2015 International Military Sports Council (CISM) World Games are currently underway.

Approximately 7,500 soldiers from some 120 countries are taking up the challenge and participating in these military games.

As part of the overall games, there are competitions specifically for disabled athletes, allowing these wounded veterans to compete in track and field, shot put and archery.

Despite their physical disabilities, these soldiers are taking part in the games with a firm will to win, all with a friendly sense of competition and friendship.



There was a touching moment in the women’s shot put final between U.S. Army Sergeant Elizabeth Wasil and Army Corporal Cerjtti Fabio from Italy.
Both of them take special care when competing, as they both have an artificial left leg. Despite what may appear to some to be a physical hardship, they did their best to put the 3-kilogram shot as far as possible from inside the 2.315-meters-in-diameter circle.

Wasil won the event with her winning throw of 6.46 meters. After the competition, both para-athletes warmly hugged, sharing words of friendship and encouragement.





Wasil lost her left leg while working as a combat medic in Iraq in 2010. After her injury, she has distinguished herself in swimming among the para-athletes. She also shined in the media spotlight when she competed in the 100-meter race against male athletes in this year’s CISM World Games.

Wasil has said that through sport she has been able to show people that she is still physically healthy, and she hopes to participate in the 2016 Summer Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro.

By Yoon Sojung
Korea.net Staff Writer
Photos: Organizing Committee for the CISM World Games
arete@korea.kr