USA Archery Named as VA/USOC Grant Recipient
OutdoorHub 05.27.14
U.S. Paralympics, a division of the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC), announced that USA Archery 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.
“We’re excited about the chance to support the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in providing opportunities for veterans with disabilities to enjoy archery,” explained USA Archery CEO Denise Parker. “Archery really is a sport for everyone and we’re glad to be a partner in these collaborative projects.”
“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.”
For USA Archery, the grant will provide training to instructors working with disabled veterans and members of the Armed Forces. It will also include development of an adapted archery unit that can be provided as part of USA Archery’s current certification courses.
USA Archery will also provide opportunities, through a camp and clinics, for disabled military members to train with members of the Para United States Archery Team (USAT).
“Our goal is to increase opportunities for disabled veterans and active military to get out and try archery,” explained Para National Head Coach Randi Smith. “We hope to provide additional opportunities for coaching and instruction.” 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 USA Archery and its programs, please contact info@usarchery.org.
