Denver — Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper welcomed over $1.6 million from the U.S. 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.
“Our veterans have sacrificed so much to keep our country safe, and we owe them our support after they have served,” said Bennet. “Colorado veterans deserve to live a full and independent life, and this funding will help wounded heroes access athletics and other recreational activities.”
“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.”
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. The VA has awarded over $119 million in grants through the Adaptive Sports Grant Program during the last nine years.
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 |
|
Crested Butte |
Adaptive Sports Center of Crested Butte, Inc. |
$180,320 |
Alpine Skiing, Backpacking, Biking, Canoeing, Climbing, Cycling, Kayaking, Nordic Skiing, Paddleboarding, Rafting, Snowshoeing |
|
Denver |
National Sports Center for the Disabled |
$145,394 |
Air Gun, Alpine Skiing, Archery, Biking, Boating, Climbing, Fishing, Hiking, Nordic Skiing, Rafting, Snowboarding |
|
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 |
|
Vail |
Vail Veterans Foundation, Inc.
|
$72,515 |
Alpine Skiing, Fly Fishing, Horseback Riding, Rafting, Rock Climbing, Snowboarding, Ziplining |
|
Fruita |
Harmony Acres Equestrian Center |
$67,201 |
Equine-Assisted Activities and Therapies |