Valor Games Southeast Celebrates ‘12 Years Strong’

Adapted sports event for Veterans with disabilities hosted by non-profit Bridge II Sports, and supported by presenting sponsor MetLife

Bridge II Sports (BIIS) is honored to bring the spirit of Valor Games Southeast (VGSE) to the Triangle for the 12th year with the continued support of presenting sponsor MetLife and its employees.

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The theme of this year’s Valor Games is “Healing and Recovery Always: Undaunted, Undeterred, Undefined and Unashamed.” Since 2013, VGSE has engaged over 1,000 Veterans with disabilities through the power of adapted sports competition and camaraderie. This year’s games will consist of a three-day event with 11 competition sports at several locations, with closing ceremonies to be held at the MetLife Global Technology Hub in Cary.

“Over the years, I have witnessed lives heal through VGSE, giving hope for a future that is impacted by the storms of war,” said Ashley Thomas, Founder and CEO of BIIS. “As a person who lives with a disability, my biggest joy is seeing people find their way, engaged with their families and community, living life well with limitations instead of living disabled. It is an honor. I am thankful to our premier sponsor and the many other sponsors making this possible.”

This life-changing event also benefits from a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs grant and support from several community and corporate partners. For the ninth year running, MetLife is serving as a presenting sponsor of VGSE. Beyond providing generous financial support, MetLife has engaged a strong core team of employees, predominantly Veterans, who have committed more than 5,000 volunteer hours over the years to assist with planning and supporting this event.

“As one of the world’s leading financial services companies, MetLife plays an important role in being committed to the communities where we do business,” said Tony Granata, MetLife VGSE Executive Sponsor and a US Navy Veteran. “We are honored to be able to partner with BIIS to present the VGSE, and to watch these men and women who served our country demonstrate how disability does not define outcomes, opportunities do.”

For more information on Valor Games Southeast 2024, visit www.bridge2sports.org/ valorgamesse.

Valor Games Southeast 2024 Schedule

Monday, May 20

Athlete Check-in and Opening Ceremony 6:00pm

Location: DoubleTree Hotel, Page Creek Road, Durham

Tuesday, May 21

Athlete Competition 8:30am — 3:00pm

Air Rifle, Sitting Volleyball, Boccia

Location: University of North Carolina – Rams Head Recreation Center

Wednesday, May 22

Athlete Competition 8:30am — 3:00pm

Powerlifting, Indoor Rowing, Wheelchair Basketball, Table Tennis, Powerlifting

Location: Duke University — Cameron Indoor Arena, Wilson Gym, K-Ville

Thursday, May 23

Athlete Competition 7:00am — 12:00pm

Kayaking, Cycling, Kayaking, Archery, Shot Put

Location: Lake Crabtree County Park

Note: All media interested in covering this event will need to be in the park by 7:15am and will be unable to leave until approximately 12:00pm due to the closure of the road for the cycling race.

Closing Ceremony 12:30pm — 2:00pm

Location: MetLife Global Technology Hub, 101 MetLife Way, Cary

IMPORTANT: MEDIA COORDINATION

Media interested in covering the event(s) are REQUIRED to:

• RSVP with a proposed time and duration of visit to Eric Williams
• NO WALK UPS ALLOWED. BIIS will send confirmation.
• Limit attendance to a maximum of 2 individuals.
• Review and sign Bridge II Sports Media Policy and check in for credentials on-site.

About Bridge II Sports

Bridge II Sports is a North Carolina non-profit organization dedicated to developing and implementing opportunities for youth, adults, and Veterans with physical disabilities to realize their potential through sports participation. Through sports programming, special events, awareness initiatives and team development, Bridge II Sports empowers persons with physical disabilities to “Find the Player Within” and challenge perceptions of disability. It is the power of adapted sports that builds healthy bodies, minds, impacting the community with strength. For more information on Bridge II Sports visit www.bridge2sports.org.

About MetLife

MetLife, Inc. (NYSE: MET), through its subsidiaries and affiliates (“MetLife”), is one of the world’s leading financial services companies, providing insurance, annuities, employee benefits and asset management to help individual and institutional customers build a more confident future. Founded in 1868, MetLife has operations in more than 40 markets globally and holds leading positions in the United States, Asia, Latin America, Europe and the Middle East. For more information, visit www.metlife.com.

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