With the spirit of March Madness upon us, Hoops for Heroes is aimed to help support the 2020 Valor Games Southeast. Valor Games Southeast is a spirited three day adaptive sports competition for veterans and members of the Armed Forces that takes place right here in RTP. Please join me in supporting the nonprofit, Bridge II Sports, that graciously hosts the games each year! All proceeds will directly benefit the men and women who take partake in the events. Wheelchair Basketball, a fan favorite, is held at the Iconic Cameron Indoor Stadium at Duke University. As we gear up for March Madness I am hoping to ignite the warrior spirit in you and draw more awareness to this amazing cause.

For the past 8 years, Bridge II Sports has hosted August Madness, a wheelchair basketball tournament fundraiser. Hundreds of people from corporations, community organizations, and universities have been introduced to the life-changing power of adapted sport and the abilities of people with physical disabilities. This year would have been the 9th anniversary of our outstanding event, but COVID-19 has pushed us in an exciting new direction. Virtual Madness still embodies our mission of the event—spread awareness of the competitiveness of adapted sports, break down stereotypes about disability, and support an incredible organization—while keeping all players safe. Instead of a wheelchair basketball tournament, we’re challenging players of ALL skill levels to shoot as many free-throws as possible in 1 minute … while seated in a chair. Same court, same chair, right? We hope you’ll join in the fun from your own chair! COVID has impacted everyone, and funds were given where need was greatest—as it should be. Unfortunately, Bridge II Sports did not receive the funding this year that we have in the past. Our future is at risk as an organization, and we need your help. Why? Every child born with a disability and every Veteran who incurs a disability need and deserve to have physical activity and recreation. Disability creates its own isolation, and adapted sports create community. Adapted sports develop independence and strong mental and emotional health. Our goal is to raise $100,000 so that we can continue to provide the programs and events that are so vital to our community. Thank you for your support! https://www.bridge2sports.org/virtualmadness/#tab-id-1