The Valor Games Midwest begin this week at Soldier Field

CHICAGO (WLS) -- The Valor Games Midwest start this Wednesday at Soldier Field. More than 200 veterans with disabilities will be competing for three days in different sporting events.

World Sports Chicago created this event four years ago. Stephanie Miller is the director.

"It's really a way for veterans to get exposed to sports, meet other veterans and get connected to sport opportunities in their communities," Miller said.

Veterans compete in several indoors and outdoors sports.

Howard Wilson is legally blind and this is his fourth year participating in the games.

"I actually will be competing in shot put, discus and cycling," Wilson said. "I like the competition because we go and do in heats against the other competitors, so it gets your adrenaline going really good."

This is also Judy Ruiz's fourth year. She was a criminal investigator in the Marine Corp, then in the Air Force Reserve for five and a half years while she was a federal detective.

"I have competed in archery every single year," Ruiz said. "This year I will be competing indoor rowing and discus."

Judy and Howard have won medals and so has Amanda Kloepfer. She was a member of the Army National Guard.

"I have won five medals," Kloepfer said. "I am going to compete in cycling and power lifting this year's Valor Games."

The Games kick off at 10 a.m. at Soldier Field on Wednesday, August 20, then head to the United Center on August 21. Then on the 22nd they are at Armour Square Park on Chicago's South Side