Five blinded veterans participated in the 13th annual Valor Games Midwest 2025 last week in Chicago. The event is a three-day Paralympic-style sports competition for disabled veterans and wounded or ill service members. The activities this year occurred across multiple venues in the city: the renowned Soldier Field, Lincoln Park, McKinley Park, and Burnham Park.

Kudos to participants Harvey Guary of the Mid-Atlantic Regional Group, Tony Stokes of the Heartland Regional Group, and Anthony Woodson, Angela McClain, and Lynetta Smith, all blinded veterans from Illinois. The five were offered opportunities to compete in discus, shot put, cycling, archery, powerlifting, indoor rowing, biathlon, or table tennis. No previous experience was required to participate.

The Valor Games Midwest grants local competitors and athletes from more than 12 states a chance to connect through their mutual love of staying active and helps strengthen their bonds as a community. A resource fair, available to all participants and their families, invites and encourages them to connect with agencies and organizations that provide military specific assistance in areas including education, employment, housing, legal support, disabilities, mental health, and family services.