Mark Patton
A U.S. Army veteran, Mark Patton sustained most of his injuries during his 20 years of active duty. These range from a reconstructed nose and three total knee replacements to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and numerous traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). A couple of years ago, he unexpectedly lost the ability to walk, seemingly as a result of trauma and his brain’s reaction. He was told he would never walk again, but people like Angel City Sports—and Mark himself—believe he CAN.
For Mark, adaptive sports gave him the ability to practice radical acceptance and embrace the opportunities ahead.
When he decided to attend the Angel City Games in the summer of 2025, he was extremely nervous. He had only previously participated in a winter adaptive sports event with the Wounded Warrior Project and had never tried the adaptive sports offered at the Angel City Games. His family encouraged him to overcome his nerves, and he did the hardest part: show up.
“I’m not sure I’d be here today if I hadn’t attended,” Mark shares.
“I felt alive again and started seeking out every possible opportunity in adaptive sports. I’m a big believer in the power of mindfulness as medicine, and adaptive sports are the only places where I truly feel present. I’ve regained my competitive spirit and I’m ready to take my athletic performance to the highest level possible.”
To U.S. Army veteran, Mark Patton sustained most of his injuries during his 20 years of active duty. These range from a reconstructed nose and three total knee replacements to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and numerous traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). A couple of years ago, he unexpectedly lost the ability to walk, apparently as a result of trauma and his brain’s reaction. He was told he would never walk again, but people like Angel City Sports—and Mark himself—believe he CAN.
For Mark, adaptive sports gave him the ability to practice radical acceptance and embrace the opportunities ahead.
When he decided to attend the Angel City Games in the summer of 2025, he was extremely nervous. He had only previously participated in a winter adaptive sports event with the Wounded Warrior Project and had never tried the adaptive sports offered at the Angel City Games. His family encouraged him to overcome his nerves, and he did the hardest part: show up.
“I’m not sure I’d be here today if I hadn’t attended,” Mark shares.
“I felt alive again and started seeking out every possible opportunity in adaptive sports. I’m a big believer in the power of mindfulness as medicine, and adaptive sports are the only places where I truly feel present. I’ve regained my competitive spirit and I’m ready to take my athletic performance to the highest level possible.”
