WASHINGTON – Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert A. McDonald today announced the awarding of up to $7.8 million in grants for adaptive sports programs for disabled Veterans and disabled Servicemembers of the Armed Forces. The grant recipients may use these funds for planning, developing, managing and implementing these adaptive sports programs.
The Department of Veterans Affairs is awarding the grants to national governing bodies, which prepare high-level athletes for Paralympic competition; Veterans service organizations; city and regional municipalities; and other community groups to provide a wide range of adaptive sports opportunities for eligible Veterans and Servicemembers. The grants will support activities ranging from rowing, cycling, skiing, equestrian sports and Tai Chi.
“We are honored to partner with so many organizations across the country to provide adaptive sports programs where our Veterans live,” said Secretary McDonald. “Adaptive sports gives freedom to those who have fought for our freedom, and empowers Veterans to believe in themselves and to let go of what others may see as limitations.”
VA will distribute the grants to 90 national, regional and community programs serving all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Approximately 10,000 Veterans and Servicemembers are expected to benefit. Authorities for certain adaptive sports programs and grant programs expire on September 30, 2016 without reauthorization action by Congress.
Information about the awardees and details of the program may be found at www.va.gov/adaptivesports.