The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced the allocation of $15.9 million in grants to support adaptive sports, recreational activities, and equine therapy for Veterans and service members with disabilities. The VA’s Adaptive Sports Grant Program will distribute these funds to 91 national, regional, and community-based programs across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico for fiscal year 2024. These initiatives aim to benefit over 15,000 Veterans and Armed Forces members.
“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.”
Adaptive sports include a variety of competitive or recreational activities tailored to meet the needs of disabled Veterans. Examples are paralympic sports, archery, cycling, skiing, hunting, rock climbing, and sky diving. These activities help Veterans rehabilitate through recreation while promoting an active lifestyle.
Marine Corps Veteran Jataya Taylor shared her experience with adaptive sports: “Getting involved in adaptive sports was a saving grace for me,” Taylor said. “Participating in these programs got me on the bike to start with, then got me climbing, and eventually it became an important part of my mental health to participate. I found my people. I found my new network of friends.” Taylor competed in wheelchair fencing at the 2024 Paralympics.
The grant program supports various organizations including Veterans Service Organizations, city and regional municipalities, and other community groups. By engaging in adaptive sports and equine therapy, Veterans can improve their physical health, enhance mental well-being, gain independence, and foster a sense of community.
Over the past nine years, VA has awarded more than $119 million through its Adaptive Sports Grant Program as part of its broader efforts to enhance the lives of those who have served.
Further information about the awardees and program details can be found at www.va.gov/adaptivesports and @Sports4Vets.
