Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) Robert A. McDonald announced up to $8 million in grant awards to eligible recipients with experience managing large-scale adaptive sports programs for veterans and service members of the Armed Forces with disabilities. The grant recipients may use these funds for planning, developing, managing, and implementing adaptive sports programs.
The VA 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. The grants will support sports ranging from rowing, cycling, and skiing to golf, fly fishing and equestrian sports.
“Adaptive sports help veterans heal both physically and emotionally,” said McDonald. “We are proud to partner with organizations nationwide to provide these rehabilitative opportunities for America’s veterans.”
The VA will distribute the grants to 89 national, regional, and community programs serving all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Guam. Approximately 10,000 veterans and service members are expected to benefit.
For more information, visit www.va.gov/adaptivesports.