RALEIGH -- For the sixth consecutive year, some of the most fierce athletes in the country are gathering for competition right here in the Tar Heel State. Joining forces with the Department of Veterans Affairs, Bridge II Sports is hosting the Valor Games Southeast 2018, a three-day competition featuring 125 U.S. Veterans and members of the Armed Forces with disabilities. 

Spectrum News anchor Caroline Blair sat down with is Ashley Thomas, the founder and Executive Director of Bridge II Sports, for a look at this truly special event in sports. The spirited competition will feature 11 adapted sports, designed as an introductory competition to elite athletes, looking for an opportunity to continue to gain confidence and take part in competition, that translates to their every day lives. 

These athletes are competing at some of the best venues in the country, including the Dean Smith Center, Cameron Indoor Stadium, and Lake Crabtree County Park. But none of that would be possible without the help of some 400 volunteers from sponsoring companies and community organizations. 

The games focus on community, camaraderie and competition, and is the premiere place to celebrate diversity, inclusion, acceptance and the ability of all people no matter their circumstances. But that’s what Bridge II Sports promotes all year. Even after the games, the organization offers opportunities for adults and children with physical disabilities to “realize their potential through sports participation.” 

VALOR GAMES SOUTHEAST 2018 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

MONDAY MAY 21 

DoubleTree Hotel RDU/RTP - 4810 Page Creek Lane, Durham
3pm-6pm: Athlete Check-In and Kick-off Cook Out
6pm-8pm: Opening Ceremony with Keynote remarks from Governor Roy Cooper 

TUESDAY MAY 22 

Dean E. Smith Center, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill
300 Skipper Bowles Dr., Chapel Hill
8:30am-3:00pm: Day 1 of Competition- Boccia, Air Rifle and Sitting Volleyball
(all competition will take place simultaneously on court level)
6pm-8pm: Banquet Dinner and Medals
DoubleTree Hotel RDU/RTP - 4810 Page Creek Lane, Durham

WEDNESDAY MAY 23 

Cameron Indoor Stadium, Duke University
115 Whitford Dr., Durham
8:30am-3:00pm: Day 2 of Competition
Archery, Powerlifting, Indoor Rowing, Table Tennis and Wheelchair Basketball
Archery: all day, Whitford Lot
Powerlifting: 9am – 11am, Wilson Gym
Indoor Rowing: 8:30am – 1pm, Cameron Indoor Stadium
Table Tennis: 9am – 12pm, Card Gym
Wheelchair Basketball: all day with full court final game at approx. 1:30pm, Cameron Indoor Stadium
6pm-8pm: Banquet Dinner and Medals
DoubleTree Hotel RDU/RTP - 4810 Page Creek Lane, Durham

Thursday May 24 

Lake Crabtree County Park, 1400 Aviation Parkway, Morrisville
8:00am-11:30am: Day 3 of Competition- Cycling, Kayaking, Shot Put
(all competitions will take place simultaneously)

*IMPORTANT NOTE: Due to main road use for cycling competition the park will be closed to incoming and outgoing traffic from 7:45am to 11:30am. All media covering events at Lake Crabtree County Park must be in the park by 7:45am and will not be able to leave until after cycling has ended. 

12pm - 2pm: Closing Ceremony
MetLife Global Technology Campus, 201 MetLife Way, Cary
Closing Ceremony is an outdoor function under the 'big tent' on MetLife's Great Lawn.

For questions contact Brad Rosell, Marketing Manager – Bridge II Sports bradr@bridge2sports.org or 866.880.2742 ext. 3.