The Valor Games Midwest kicked off in Chicago, bringing veterans together for three days of adaptive sports, competition and camaraderie. The 14th annual games give veterans an opportunity to support one another while testing themselves in a variety of events. The games emphasize inclusion, with events designed for veterans with disabilities.
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"Tons of veterans come out from all over the country, and this is the time they get to see their friends. So we're always excited for that," said Ricardo Lara of the Chicago Park District. Among the competitors was Janice Copeland, a veteran of Operation Desert Storm who traveled from Atlanta for the games. Copeland competed in the biathlon and won a medal. She said the support of fellow veterans was a meaningful part of the experience. "For me, just completing the task was enough and just to hear other veterans telling you, 'you got it. You can do it.' It really boosts my spirit," Copeland said. Brian Harris, an Army veteran of the Iraq war, also won a medal. Harris said he regularly competes in adaptive sports as a way to challenge himself physically. "I did the rowing; I did biathlon just today, and I'm scheduled to do two more events tomorrow and two more Thursday," Harris said. The event also included a resource fair where veterans could connect with various organizations. Diego Colon of the National Headache Foundation was raising awareness about Operation Brainstorm, an initiative that helps veterans navigate migraine care. "A third of veterans, 36 percent, live with some kind of headache or migraine disorder and this is double the non-veteran population," Colon said. The Valor Games continue Wednesday in Lincoln Park. On Thursday, the final day will take place in McKinley Park, followed by one last award ceremony.