Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association named as VA/USOC grant recipient. Staff intern / Chicago Tribune.
Funding to provide enhanced sport programming for disabled Veterans and disabled members of the Armed Forces
Today U.S. Paralympics, a division of the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC), announced that Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association (GLASA) has been selected to receive grant funding in support of Paralympic sport and physical activity programs for disabled Veterans and disabled members of the Armed Forces. More than $7.5M in funds from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has been awarded to 70 community organizations and National Governing Bodies around the country.
Through this program, grants ranging from $13,000 to $500,000 were provided to USOC partner organizations and community programs to increase the number and quality of opportunities for physically or visually impaired Veterans to participate in physical activity within their home communities and in more advanced Paralympic sport programs at the regional and national levels.
"GLASA is so excited to be a recipient of the VA/USOC grant as it will allow us to further provide Paralympic sports and health/wellness activities to disabled veterans and disabled members of the Armed Forces throughout the Midwest." said Cindy Housner, Executive Director and Founder of Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association.
"This funding has allowed thousands of veterans and service members with physical disabilities to participate in Paralympic sport at the community level," said Charlie Huebner, chief of Paralympics, USOC. "Through the leadership at Veterans Affairs and within Congress, these funds have a tremendous impact on the availability of programs across the country, not to mention thousands of lives."
Thanks to the support of US Paralympics and the Veterans Administration, GLASA will engage injured military veterans in the sports of track, field, and triathlon. GLASA will show veterans of every age and every era that it is possible to be healthy and active. Opportunities will be available for beginner athletes to learn fundamental sport skills and competitions will challenge more experienced veterans who want to test their skills against others. Adaptive equipment like racing wheelchairs and arm powered bicycles will allow all veterans to become active- regardless of disability- and scholarships will assure that finances are never a barrier to participation.
Research has shown that regular participation in physical activity has a positive effect on the rehabilitation process, self-esteem, education, employment, and overall health.
For more information about GLASA and its programs, please contact Cindy Housner at CHousner@glasa.org or call (847)283-0908
Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association: http://glasa.org/
Mission and Vision:
To promote and support the optimal development and well-being of youth and adults who have a primary physical or visual impairment through the provision of inclusive recreational, fitness and competitive sports activities and to offer opportunities for empowerment through education, leadership, and training in collaboration with community-based organizations.
The Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association believes that the quality of life should never be limited by a physical or visual impairment. We believe that it is possible to remove boundaries, elevate expectations, fulfill dreams, enhance self-worth and empower individuals with disabilities in competitive and recreational sports.
The grant funding for this program is awarded by U.S. Paralympics, a division of the U.S. Olympic Committee, through funding provided by Veterans Affairs. The grants are provided to facilitate the growth of Paralympic sport programming for disabled Veterans and disabled members of the Armed Forces.
Originally published by the Chicago Tribune. All rights reserved.
