By Freddy Groves
Over 15,000 veterans will be able to take advantage of the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Adaptive Sports Program courtesy of nearly $16 million in grants that have been handed to 91 organizations across the country. The current program runs until September 2025, and disabled veterans will be able to participate not only in adaptive sports, but in therapeutic arts as well.
The national, regional and community grant recipients host a wide variety of programs, ranging from SCUBA to wheelchair basketball to archery to skiing to equine therapy and so much more.
Check out department.va.gov/veteran-sports for the highlights of some of the sports, clinics and games that will be offered. For even more info, click on the Fact Sheet link. Whether it’s Golden Age games (for those over age 55, May 31 – June 5, 2025) or sports clinics, if you see something you’re interested in, don’t wait. Contact those who sponsor the events and find out about how to participate.
If you’re hesitant to explore the possibilities for next year, keep in mind that in many cases, the clinics and training are ongoing! For competition next year, you need to start now! If you’re training and participating at a high level, in some cases there are stipends and monthly training allowances if you qualify.
Take a look at Move United (moveunitedsport.org) and click on Warfighters. Their goal is to provide adaptive sports opportunities to severely wounded warriors. At this point, over 19,000 veterans have participated in the group’s 65-year history. Over 70 sports are offered: adaptive badminton, football, fishing, rock climbing and more. Whether the disability is from brain injury, burns, spinal cord or visual impairment, it doesn’t matter if the disability was due to combat. If you have questions, you can give them a call at 301-217-0960.
And then there are the volunteers. You’re needed. Apply now. The events and training can’t take place without you. Call the organization that you’re interested in supporting and get started now.
(c) 2024 King Features Synd., Inc.
