Media Contact
Martin Hill – Bridge II Sports
martinh@bridge2sports.org
540.855.0204
MEDIA ALERT

Valor Games Southeast Celebrates ‘11 Years Strong’
11th annual adapted sports event for Veterans with disabilities hosted by non-profit Bridge II Sports,
and supported by presenting sponsor MetLife, kicks off May 22
DURHAM, N.C. — May 18, 2023

Bridge II Sports (BIIS) is honored to bring the spirit of Valor Games Southeast (VGSE) to the Triangle for the 11th year in 2023 with the continued support of presenting sponsor MetLife.

Since 2013, VGSE has engaged over 1,500 Veterans with disabilities through the power of adapted sports competition and camaraderie.

For 2023, VGSE is excited to return to its traditional multi-day event. Athletes will be back to competing at Cameron Indoor Stadium at Duke University for the first time since 2019 and closing ceremonies will be held at the MetLife Global Technology Hub in Cary. This year’s games will consist of a three-day event in May with ten competition sports plus a wheelchair basketball tournament in September.

“I have been proud of our team at Bridge II Sports for finding creative ways to engage with our Veteran athletes over these last few difficult years, keeping them active and connected in life,” says Ashley Thomas, Founder and CEO of Bridge II Sports and Developer of Valor Games SE. “I am proud of our presenting sponsor, MetLife, who has stood by our side in belief and action, giving hope of life after injury to men and women who have served our country with honor and commitment. Our athletes have endured moments that change their lives forever, like waking up without legs to run or eyes to see. However, they do wake up knowing that they have support through adapted sports and can renew, reunite, and recreate the new me.”

This life-changing event is made possible through a grant from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs 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 risen in volunteer leadership roles to assist with planning and support of this large- scale event.

For more information on Valor Games Southeast 2023, visit www.bridge2sports.org/valorgamesse

Valor Games Southeast 2023 Schedule

Monday, May 22
Athlete Check-in, and Opening Ceremony 6:00pm
DoubleTree Hotel, Page Creek Road, Durham
Note: If interested, register through the BIIS (Bridge II Sports) website

Tuesday, May 23
Athlete Competition 8:30am — 3:00pm
Air Rifle, Sitting Volleyball, Boccia
University of North Carolina – Rams Head Recreation Center

Wednesday, May 24
Athlete Competition 8:30am — 3:00pm
Powerlifting, Indoor Rowing, Wheelchair Basketball, Table Tennis
Duke University — Cameron Indoor Arena, Wilson Gym, K-Ville

Thursday, May 25
Athlete Competition 7:00am —12:00pm
Kayaking, Cycling, Archery, Shot Put
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 12:30 –2:00 pm
MetLife RTP Campus

 

IMPORTANT: MEDIA COORDINATION
Media interested in covering the event(s) are REQUIRED to:
• RSVP with a proposed time and duration of visit to: Bridge II Sports – martinh@bridge2sports.org
• 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, Japan, Latin America, Asia, Europe and the Middle East. For more
information, www.metlife.com.