CHICAGO -- For first time participants like Staff Sgt. Armando Gonzales from the Fort Hood, Texas Warrior Transition Battalion, the bright lights and big stages of the Warrior Games can be daunting.
But after a morning briefing at McCormick Place (the main venue for this year's Games), Gonzales says he has a better idea of what to expect.
"I found it to be very informative. It was great," Gonzales said.
Organizers instructed athletes and support staff from each team on social media guidelines, decorum, transportation and safety, to name a few.
Leaders from the Chicago Police Department provided insight on the security efforts put in place ahead of the Games, including uniformed and undercover officers at the venues.
Navy Lt Cmdr. Glenn Buni is heading up medical operations. He explained the partnerships in place between medical staff on site and local hospitals to ensure a smooth response in the event of an emergency.
"We've got you covered, " Buni said to the athletes.
Officials say 12,000 tickets have been sold and donated for the competition's opening ceremony. Athletes, families and support staff account for an additional 2,000 people.
Such a large event has already drawn both local and national media attention, so Cmdr. Erik Wells, Warrior Games Public Affairs Officer, took the opportunity to prepare the teams for the ongoing coverage.
"You only have one chance to make a good impression," Wells said. "It's important for athletes to think about how they want to describe their injury and rehabilitation and what their wounded care programs have done for them to help them get here."
While the camera time comes secondary to the competition for these athletes, it offered Gonzales a little added motivation as he and his wheelchair basketball teammates headed to practice to wrap up the day.
"We want to win, and it would be cool to win gold on ESPN."
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