A total of $8 million in grants will be awarded to provide adaptive sports opportunities for veterans and servicemembers of the Armed Forces with disabilities.
Robert A. McDonald, secretary of Veterans Affairs, announced the award, according to a news release issued by the VA and emphasized “Partnering with national, regional, and community-based non-profit organizations allows VA to provide rehabilitative adaptive sports opportunities to our disabled Veterans and Service members all across the country.”
McDonald adds, “Disabled veterans who participate in adaptive sports improve their health and quality of life, make new friendships and discover that physical rehabilitation healing comes in many forms and can also be great fun.”
The release notes that the new program offers grants to eligible entities to plan, develop, manage, and implement programs to provide adaptive sports activities for veterans and members of the Armed Forces with disabilities. Funding may go to support activities such as training, program development, recreation therapists, coaches, sports equipment, supplies, program evaluation, and other activities related to program implementation and operation.
According to the release, the grants will be distributed to a total of 69 national, regional, and community programs serving all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and American Samoa. Approximately 10,000 veterans and servicemembers are expected to benefit, the release says.
For more information visit www.va.gov/adaptivesports
Source: VA
