Former Packers quarterback Brett Favre supports veterans at National Veterans Wheelchair Games

Former Green Bay Packers and Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre helped kick off the 38th National Veterans Wheelchair Games (NVWG) in Orlando, Fla., on Monday.

"To the VA and to all veterans ... I have much respect and much love for you," Favre said after giving a shout out to a fan from Milwaukee.

More than 650 wheelchair athletes, who are military veterans from the U.S., Great Britain and Puerto Rico, are competing in 19 athletic events, including basketball, softball, swimming, cycling, lifting and trap shooting.

The goal of the games is to increase the independence, activity and quality of life for veterans through wheelchair sports. The event is presented by the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA).

"It's been a humbling and rewarding experience," Favre said. "It's hard to put into words what you're seeing and what these veterans have achieved and overcome."

Favre, 48, who played 16 years for the Packers and won three NFL MVPs, was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2016.