US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Colorado John Hickenlooper
Funding comes from the Department of Veterans Affairs Adaptive Sports Grant Program
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet welcomed over $1.6 million in federal funding from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for eight Colorado organizations that offer adaptive sports, recreational activities, and equine therapy for veterans and service members living with disabilities. The funding comes from the VA’s’ Adaptive Sports Grant Program, which supports more opportunities for disabled veterans to play recreational sports and activities customized to better fit their needs.
“Adaptive sports give our wounded veterans a community and outlet for mental health,” said Hickenlooper. “This funding makes it easier for our disabled vets to hit the slopes and enjoy all the outdoor activities that make Colorado special.”
“Our veterans have sacrificed so much to keep our country safe, and we owe them our support after they have served. Colorado veterans deserve to live a full and independent life, and this funding will help wounded heroes access athletics and other recreational activities,” said Bennet.
“These grants give Veterans life-changing opportunities to participate in adaptive sports in the communities where they live all across the country,” said VA Secretary Denis McDonough. “We know adaptive sports and recreational activities can be transformational for Veterans living with disabilities, improving their overall physical and mental health, and also giving them important community with fellow heroes who served.”
VA has awarded over $119 million in grants through the Adaptive Sports Grant Program during the last nine years. This program is one of VA’s many initiatives dedicated to improving the lives of those who have served.
A full list of selected organizations is below:
Location
Project Name
Amount Awarded
Sports
Westminster
Adaptive Adventures
$748,510
Alpine Skiing, Climbing, Cycling, Dragon Boat, Kayaking, Paddleboarding, Snowboarding
Snowmass Village
Challenge Aspen
$230,100
Alpine Skiing, Archery, Biking, Fly Fishing, Snowboarding
Denver
National Sports Center for the Disabled
$145,394
Air Gun, Alpine Skiing, Archery, Biking, Boating, Climbing, Fishing, Hiking, Nordic Skiing, Rafting, Snowboarding
Vail
Vail Veterans Foundation, Inc.
$72,515
Alpine Skiing, Fly Fishing, Horseback Riding, Rafting, Rock Climbing, Snowboarding, Ziplining
Crested Butte
Adaptive Sports Center of Crested Butte, Inc.
$180,320
Alpine Skiing, Backpacking, Biking, Canoeing, Climbing, Cycling, Kayaking, Nordic Skiing, Paddleboarding, Rafting, Snowshoeing
Breckenridge
Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center
$105,637
Air Rifle, Archery, Boccia, Cycling, Golf, Kayaking, Powerlifting, Rowing, Sitting Volleyball, Table Tennis, Wheelchair Basketball
Colorado Springs
Archery School of the Rockies Inc.
$94,416
Archery
Fruita
Harmony Acres Equestrian Center
$67,201
Equine-Assisted Activities and Therapies