TAMPA, Fla. -- It was a busy week for hundreds of athletes as they competed in Tampa, and they celebrated their hard work with a closing ceremony.
- Warrior Games holds closing ceremony in Tampa
- The weeklong event had strong turnout
- The next Warrior Games will be held in San Antonio
Colonel Cary Harbaugh, who was the director of this year’s Warrior Games, said this year’s attendance throughout the weeklong event was one of the best turnouts he’s seen.
"I’ve been with the warrior games for a long time," Harbaugh said. "(I've) never saw the public come out like we saw in the Tampa Bay area."
For the athletes, the camaraderie between one another is something they’ll always remember.
"I know the games in Chicago, Australia and the United Kingdom were there but this year it was so neat to have Canada, the Danish, and the Netherlands here," said Melinda Smith, who was part of the Air Force team.
And while many athletes will be taking home medals, for some the improvement from year-to-year is what they’re most proud of.
"Competing and doing a little bit better meant a huge difference for everything," Smith said. "Just knowing that you know I have MS but it doesn’t have me so I just keep on going."
Next year’s Warrior Games will be held in San Antonio.