Wounded warriors to compete in sporting events during third annual Marine Corps Trials at Camp Pendleton

CAMP PENDLETON - More than 250 wounded warriors are slated to compete in various sporting events during the third annual Marine Corps Trials, which will begin next week at Camp Pendleton.

Beginning March 1, four teams made up of Marines, veterans and international service members will compete in a week of events, including archery, shooting, wheelchair basketball, volleyball, swimming, cycling and track and field, hosted by the U.S. Marine Corps Wounded Warrior Regiment, according to Camp Pendleton public affairs.

The opening ceremony will be held Feb. 28.

''The athletes will learn skills that will enable them to be highly successful not only at the trials and games, but in their future endeavors,'' said Jennifer Sullivan, who manages the Wounded Warrior Regiment's Warrior Athlete Reconditioning Program.

Following the trials, 50 Marines will be selected to represent their service branch at the 2013 Warrior Games, to be held in May at the U.S. Olympic Complex and the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo. The annual competition is held to bring together wounded, ill and injured service members from each branch to participate in the Paralympic-style competition, officials said.