COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. -- The 2012 Warrior Games kicked off Monday at the Olympic Training Center and featured some very special guests.

First Lady Michelle Obama, along with Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff U.S. Army General Martin E. Dempsey, welcomed the more than 200 athletes who will be competing throughout the week.

The Warrior Games, hosted by the USOC, feature team members from all five military branches who have been wounded, injured or who are ill.

Monday's opening ceremonies drew a large crowd of more than 1,000 people.

Mrs. Obama told the crowd that meeting military members and their families is one of the best parts of her job.

"We have folks from the Army, the Navy, the Coast Guard, the Air Force and the Marine Corps. Just breathtaking, is all I have to say, and I am humbled and inspired," Mrs. Obama said.

Mrs. Obama also thanked the athletes for their service.

"I want all of you to know that your work, your commitment, your devotion to this country does not go unnoticed it, it truly does not. We are all so grateful and proud of your service and we all want to find some way to say thank you," she said.

Athletes who were anxious to hit the court, track and pool were reminded the games aren't just about taking home the gold.

"These games are not about proving what you can do to the world, it's about proving what you can do for yourselves," Gen. Dempsey said. "It's about demonstrating the power of ability over disability."

When the games are over the work continues for the competitors.

"Once these games are over, you all have the power and the platform to keep on inspiring people all across the country, especially our young people," Mrs. Obama said. "You can inspire these kids to become active, you can inspire these kids to overcome obstacles, you can inspire them to achieve things they've never dreamed of."

Mrs. Obama said the athletes have already inspired her.

"No matter how seriously you're injured, no matter what obstacles or set backs you face, you just keep moving forward. You just keep moving forward. You just keep pushing yourselves to succeed in ways that just mistify and leave us all in awe," she said.

Gen. Dempsey said no matter who takes home the cup it will be hoisted by a champion.

"For me these games embody the enduring resilience of our profession because your commitment to teamwork and determination to persevere in these games are the very same qualities that led you to serve your nation, and that makes our military great," he said.

But before they could hit the courts or the pool, Mrs. Obama imparted some final motherly advice to the warriors.

"Have fun. Don't get hurt. Stay out of trouble. And God Bless you all, and God bless the United States of America," she said.