Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Robert Jordan | Competitors salute during the national anthem at the closing ceremonies of the Valor...... read more read more
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RALEIGH, N.C. – After years of service and a deployment to Iraq, Akitola Stokes, a North Carolina Army National Guard veteran, is no stranger to challenges. But on this day, her next order would be one of the most difficult she has ever followed.
"Let's play," said Ashley Thomas, executive director of Bridge II Sports, at the opening ceremony of the Valor Games held at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Duke University and the North Carolina State Fairgrounds in Raleigh, May 21- 23.
Valor Games is a competition for wounded, ill and injured veterans, National Guard, Reserve and active-duty service members.
"To do this is a big deal, there are things I forgot I could do," said Stokes who served in the NCNG from 1994 to 2007.
Stokes took part in the sporting event with nearly 100 fellow military peers for friendly competition, medals and most of all, a good time.
"There are things I do with the military I can’t with civilians. It’s like one big family," said Stokes.
During the first day of competition at UNC-CH, laughter and cheers mixed with grunts, groans and a little trash talk on the court as competitors challenged each other in Boccia, volleyball and basketball.
"I am for both (volleyball) sides,” said NCNG Family Readiness Group Leader Wanda Moore of Four Oaks, N.C. “It is fabulous to see them have fun."
Other participants took advantage of an outdoor air rifle range, while some practiced a few golf swings with the help of trainers and a specialized wheelchair.
"The minute I saw the golf I thought, I can do that," said Johnnie Alexander, of Gainesville, Fla., a veteran with service in Vietnam from 1967 to 1969.
Archery, power lifting, rowing and table tennis filled the next day's competition at Duke.
Experts helped novice archers learn how to fire arrows at targets from 50 meters away, as coaches encouraged one last pull from contestants at the rowing machines.
Cycling and shot put were the last events held on the morning of the final day of competition at the State Fairgrounds. The closing ceremony guest of honor was N.C. Gov. Pat McCrory who thanked the participants for their service.
"You fight for our freedom, you are my heroes," said McCrory.
After the ceremony, Stokes hugged new friends, showed off her medals and encouraged others to meet her at the next games. At the closing ceremonies, she earned a bronze medal in the rowing event for females, a silver medal in the women’s 15K Handcycle and a gold medal in archery in the Female 10m targets, beginners’ category.
"I want to come back," said Stokes.
Bridge II Sports is a nonprofit based in Durham, N.C., with the mission to create opportunities for children and adults who are physically challenged to play team and individual sports. For more information about the Bridge II Sports program, visit their website at: http://www.bridge2sports.org/
| Date Taken: | 06.05.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 06.05.2013 21:05 |
| Story ID: | 108136 |
| Location: | RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA, US |
| Hometown: | FOUR OAKS, NORTH CAROLINA, US |
| Hometown: | GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA, US |
| Web Views: | 99 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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