CHAPEL HILL-- Being disabled doesn't mean you have to sit on the sidelines. Take it from the athletes competing in the Valor Games Southeast.

• Vets and service members are competing in Valor Games. 
• Games allow injured and disables military members and vets to compete.
• May 21-24. 

Dozens of injured veterans and service members are in the Triangle competing in various sports during the three day event.

The first day was held at the Dean Smith Center at UNC-Chapel Hill. Competitions were held in boccia, volleyball, and air rifle.

“Because even though I may not have legs to stand on, but I still have something to stand on in sports. And that is the human drive and American spirit,” says Jerry Padgett II, a Navy veteran injured in Afghanistan.

But many feel that the competition isn't just about sports. It's about connecting and making friends.

“We're all kind of a kindred spirit that looks at our injuries as another life challenge,” says Leigh Sumner, a retired marine who fell 25 feet from a tree.

Duke University and Lake Crabtree County Park will also host the games Wednesday and Thursday.

For a full list of events and dates, click here!