AMOUR SQUARE — Nearly 200 injured, ill and wounded veterans and active duty service members took to Armour Square Wednesday to test their skills on the archery range, cycling track and tennis court in the fifth annual Valor Games.
Sponsored by World Sport Chicago, U.S. Paralympics and the Chicago Park District, the event also includes discus, shot put, indoor rowing and powerlifiting.
Will Groulx, a three-time Paralympic Games medalist in wheelchair rugby, attended the Valor Games to show support for his fellow veterans.
Groulx, 41, suffered a spinal cord injury in a 2001 motorcycle accident. During his rehabilitation at the Department of Veteran Affairs hospital in Seattle, he learned about wheelchair rugby and ended up competing a year later.
To Groulx, the support that comes with competing in a team sport is one way to help a soldier recover from a traumatic injury.
“The emotional rehabilitation is just as important as the physical rehabilitation,” Groulx said.
The Valor Games continue today at Marquette Park, 6743 S. Kedzie Ave.
Here’s a look at the day’s schedule:
9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Indoor Rowing and Powerlifting competitions
9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Boccia and Fishing clinics
12:30 p.m.-1:45 p.m. Closing Ceremonies
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