TAMPA, Fla. — The 2019 Warrior Games are under way in Tampa.

The event features hundreds of wounded warriors from all military branches, as well as soldiers from around the world.

Joining the American athletes are men and women from the UK, Canada, and the Netherlands Armed-Forces, as well as the Australian defense force. The athletes will go head-to-head in 14 sports over the next nine days.

In grand fashion Saturday night, hundreds of athletes paraded across the stage during the opening ceremony at Amalie Arena. The ceremony is one of the highlights of the Warrior Games.

The event was hosted by comedian and longtime supporter Jon Stewart.

"The athletes are learning how to compete inside a humidifier," he joked.

 

 

Many spectators came out to see country music star Hunter Hayes perform.

For families like the Rodriguez family, the moment was extra special.

Gabi Rodriguez said her father served 18 years in the Air Force before medically retiring. He is dealing with a lot including PTSD and shoulder and knee surgery.

The Warrior Games bring him joy.

"He loves doing this stuff. He talks about hit all the time," Rodriguez said.

The coaches of these athletes say they’re so glad to see the support. Organizers said 11,000 tickets were sold for the opening ceremony.

The Department of Defense is encouraging the community to come out and support the athletes as they compete in the various sports all over Tampa through June 30.