There was plenty of action on Coach K Court inside Duke's Cameron Indoor Stadium Wednesday, as wheelchair athletes played a fast basketball game. That's one of the sports they enjoyed as the Valor Games return after a pandemic pause.
Organizers said 100 representatives of all U.S. military branches with some physical disabilities participated in rowing, powerlifting, table tennis, and other sports.
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"We still need to have fun," said Ashley Thomas of Bridge II Sports. And we still need to find what we can do, even though something isn't working. And I think that's the beauty of these games. You don't have to explain anything. But when I saw them get on the court I was like, thank God we're back!"
Most participants are veterans, along with some active-duty soldiers from Fort Stewart. The opportunity to compete in adaptive sports provides more than a great workout, Thomas said.
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"It is a breath of fresh air. Our veterans are thrilled! Many of them have shared the joy of seeing the brothers and sisters that they shared a journey of life together, that we will never know. And to get together it's an emotional, physical, and dare I say, therapeutic coming together that only these events can provide."
The Valor Games continue Thursday at Lake Crabtree with archery, cycling, and kayaking.
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