Tammy Duckworth, director of Illinois Veterans Affairs, says most vets are not aware of the wide ranges of adaptive sports.
"People have heard of wheelchair basketball, people have heard of wheelchair racing, but they may not have ever realized that they can go sailing, that they can go kayaking, that they can go fishing that there are hand cranks," said Duckworth.
"Last year, I tried something new. I went sailing and I thought what am I going to do on a sail boat but get in the way...I had a great time," Duckworth said.
Duckworth's favorite is handcycling.
"I couldn't do it for a long time, because my arm was injured as well, and it's only been within probably the last year that I've gotten active in handcycle, and I'm so proud to announce that the Chicago Marathon is allowing an exhibition of hand cyclists," Duckworth said.
Friday's event will held from 10 to 3 p.m. at Northerly Island, which is south of the Adler Planetarium and east of Soldier Field. Lunch will be provided.
"It's a great place for vets to meet each other and tell war stories," said Duckworth.
You can register in advance or just come out. The phone number is (312) 814-3287. Or you can e-mail: events@dva.state.il.us
The event takes place at Northerly Island , 1400 S. Lynn White Dr. in Chicago. The Chicago Park District and Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs are cosponsors of this event.
