VA Awards Over $849,000 in Grants for Adaptive Sports Programs in Pennsylvania
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has allocated $849,309 in grants to four community-based organizations across Pennsylvania. These grants are specifically designated to support adaptive sports programs for Veterans and active-duty service members. This funding is part of a larger national initiative, where the VA has awarded a total of $16 million to 91 organizations nationwide for similar programs. John A. Gennaro, Director of the Erie VA Medical Center, emphasized that these grants aim to enhance access to adaptive sports, which significantly benefit the lives of Pennsylvania Veterans. The programs offer a variety of competitive and recreational activities, including archery, skiing, cycling, wheelchair softball, hunting, and fishing, all designed to promote rehabilitation through recreation and encourage an active, healthy lifestyle. Since its inception, the Adaptive Sports Grant Program has distributed over $150 million to expand access to adaptive sports nationwide.