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 |
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