Mission: To provide both a recreational and competitive environment/team that is therapeutic and educational for our members so that we serve each other and our communities.
Vision. To serve one another and our community
Values.
i. Compassion - for each other, our disabilities, our experiences, our personal struggles and for improving those around us.
ii. Community - to serve, assist and contribute to the larger disabled veteran community, the hockey community, and the Tampa region.
iii. Camaraderie - to build a culture of family that serves our mission. To help find the purpose and direction that was once felt in service.
iv. Competition - The drive to win: in games, in self-improvement and community improvement.
v. Healthy Living - To care for our physical, mental or emotional wellness.
Results: 831 volunteering hours helping our three communities (veterans, hockey & the Tampa Bay region)
Five tournament and league championships
Membership grew 205% to 110 registered members
Solidified strategic partnerships with Raymond James Valor Network and the Lightning Made Program
Funded free practices twice a month for all members
Funded free practices monthly for beginner/novice players
Offset all four adult league team fees by $1,000 each season ($8,000 in total this year).
Became our own legal entity and 501c3
Officially recognized with a Florida state tax exemption which lowers costs for all players on our teams
Selected to participate in the NHL Winter Classic in Colorado Springs because of our mission, vision, values, and family-like culture
Target demographics: disabled veterans and first responders
Direct beneficiaries per year: 110 disabled veterans, veterans, active military and first responders
Geographic areas served: the greater Tampa Bay region
Tampa Warriors allows disabled vets the opportunity to enjoy something the love doing — play hockey. One of my most memorable games was when the Warriors played a local collegiate team. Students came not just to cheer on their school, but to experience the Warriors play and support them. Supporting organizations that help our military, past and present, is one of the best ways we can show our respect for them and everything they do for our country.
I joined the Tampa Warriors close to the beginning. It started with a few skates and meeting the team. What really got me involved was the sense of family, community, and camaraderie. It was nice to be around people that understand what you were going through or lend a helping hand. If feels good to be apart of something more. Something that supports one another and also our local community. I feel great pride in this organization and enjoy spending time with my family, wether we are on the ice, volunteering in the community or just having a BBQ.
The Tampa Warriors has provided me with an environment to address my combat-related challenges with other disabled veterans. They also provide free equipment and ice time so I can stay physically active. I have found a home with the Warriors.
