NEVADA DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS SERVICES RECEIVES GRANT AWARD TO SUPPORT ADAPTIVE SPORTS PROGRAMS

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) approved a grant request by the Nevada Department of Veterans Services (NDVS) for $31,495 to support adaptive sports programs in the Cities of Reno and Las Vegas. The funding benefits disabled veterans and military members in those communities, where the grant will be used to fund a variety of adaptive sports programs. 

The grant will be divided as follows: 

• $20,595 for the “Military Sports Camp” provided by the City of Reno
• $8,075 for adaptive programs at gyms, pools, sports facilities, fitness and gardening classes provided by the City of Las Vegas
• $1,200 for an Adaptive Archery Program provided by the City of Las Vegas
• $850 for aquatic therapy provided by the City of Las Vegas
• $750 for one-on-one adaptive swim lessons provided by the City of Las Vegas

The City of Reno’s “Military Sports Camp” provides a variety of recreational activities including adaptive bowling, water skiing, archery, water sports, sled hockey, wheelchair rugby, rock climbing, and mountain biking. The City of Reno also received a VA Adaptive Sports Grant for the “Fit but Not Forgotten” program, which offers weekly fitness opportunities for disabled veterans and disabled members of the U.S. Armed Forces. 

April Wolfe, Therapeutic Recreation Specialist for the City of Reno said, “The City of Reno is once again honored to receive the VA Adaptive Sports Grant and serve our area veterans through the ‘Fit but not Forgotten’ and ‘Military Sports Camp’ programs. Sports and Recreation have a valuable place in everyone’s life and especially in our veteran’s community.” 

Disabled veterans and military members in the City of Las Vegas also have a variety of adaptive recreational choices. 

“Each year, NDVS has made it a priority to seek VA funding for adaptive sports programs and we have become very successful in obtaining these federal dollars,” said Kat Miller, NDVS Director. “Sports and other competitive activities serve as a complement to recovery and management of service-connected medical and mental health conditions. We are proud to support the efforts of the Cities of Las Vegas and Reno with their important adaptive sports programs. 

Nationwide, the VA announced it awarded nearly $15 million to 119 national, regional and community programs in 37 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Programs funded through these grants will offer adaptive sports activities to more than 13,000 veterans and members of the U.S. Armed forces with disabilities.