WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recently announced the allocation of $15.9 million in grants for adaptive sports and recreational activities. This significant financial support aims to provide transformative opportunities to over 15,000 veterans and service members across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico.
The VA’s Adaptive Sports Grant Program will distribute these funds to 91 national, regional, and community-based organizations for the fiscal year 2024. These grants are pivotal in advancing the Biden-Harris Administration’s Unity Agenda by promoting veterans’ well-being and enhancing their opportunities through recreational activities. Adaptive sports, which include paralympic sports, archery, cycling, skiing, hunting, rock climbing, and sky diving, are tailored to meet the unique needs of veterans with disabilities. These activities not only encourage rehabilitation through recreation but also foster an active lifestyle.
VA Secretary Denis McDonough highlighted the profound impact of these grants, emphasizing that, “These grants give Veterans life-changing opportunities to participate in adaptive sports in the communities where they live all across the country.” He pointed out the transformative nature of adaptive sports in enhancing the physical and mental health of veterans, while also strengthening community bonds among those who have served.
The program’s success is exemplified by Marine Corps Veteran Jataya Taylor, who credits adaptive sports with significantly improving her mental health. After struggling with mental health issues, Taylor found solace in participating in activities supported by the VA’s grant program, eventually competing in wheelchair fencing at the 2024 Paralympics. Her journey underscores the profound community and mental health benefits these programs offer, as she remarked, “Getting involved in adaptive sports was a saving grace for me.”
The impact of these grants extends beyond physical rehabilitation, fostering a sense of independence and community among participants. The VA’s Adaptive Sports Grant Program has awarded more than $119 million over the past nine years, consistently demonstrating its commitment to enhancing the lives of veterans. By supporting diverse organizations, including Veterans Service Organizations and community groups, the program ensures that veterans have access to resources that significantly contribute to their overall well-being.
This latest funding initiative reinforces the VA’s efforts to provide veterans with the tools they need to thrive post-service, embodying a comprehensive approach to veteran care that integrates physical health, mental well-being, and community support.
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