The Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $667,797 in grants to community-based organizations in Georgia that provide adaptive sports programs.
This funding is part of $16 million in grants awarded to 91 organizations nationwide to advance adapted sports programs for veterans and active-duty service members.
The Augusta area has many veterans who participate in adaptive sports. In July, 19 veteran athletes and therapists from VA Augusta Health Care System participated in the National Veterans Wheelchair Games. Several of those veterans live outside the Augusta area, but competitors such as Dr. Lisa Maddox, Amy Dotson and Justin Hall, live in Grovetown; Jeanette Thompson and Cynthia Todd are from Augusta; Scott Winkler is from Appling and Michael Bishop is from Beech Island.
Adaptive sports programs give Veterans opportunities to build independence, well-being, and quality of life through a variety of competitive and recreational activities. These activities, such as archery, skiing, cycling, wheelchair softball, hunting, fishing, and many others, enable Veterans to rehabilitate through recreation and encourage an active and healthy lifestyle.
“Through these grants, we’re strengthening access to adaptive sports programs that make a meaningful difference in the lives of Georgia Veterans,” said Interim Director James Doelling. “This support expands opportunities for Veterans with disabilities to stay active, build confidence, and connect with others through recreation and competition.”
Since the establishment of the Adaptive Sports Grant Program, VA has awarded over $150 million to expand access to adaptive sports nationwide. For a complete list of grant recipieints, go here.
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