The Department of Veterans Affairs has awarded nearly $8 million in grants that will provide adaptive sports opportunities for disabled veterans and service members of the Armed Forces.
Funding will allow organizations to plan, manage and implement new sporting programs. It will provide recreational therapists, sporting equipment, training and additional operational needs to members.
“Disabled veterans who participate in adaptive sports improve their health and quality of life, make new friendships and discover that physical rehabilitation healing … can be great fun,” Robert A. McDonald, secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA), stated in a press release. “Partnering with nonprofit organizations allows VA to provide rehabilitative adaptive sports opportunities all across the country.”
The grants will be distributed to 69 national, regional and community programs and serve all U.S. states, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and American Samoa. Approximately 10,000 veterans and service members are expected to benefit. More information of the program can be found at www.va.gov/adaptivesports.
