WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Dave Joyce (OH-14) announced that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has awarded $14.8 million in grants for adaptive sports programs benefiting veterans with disabilities and disabled members of the Armed Forces. In total, the VA awarded 126 grants to national, regional and community programs across the country, including OH-14’s own Geneva Area Recreational, Educational and Athletic Trust, the Adaptive Sports Program of Ohio, the Columbus Recreation and Parks Community Rec Council, and North Olmstead’s the Turn.

“As the son of a WWII veteran who was wounded on the battlefield, I’m no stranger to the struggles veterans face when they return home,” said Dave. “I’m proud to have consistently supported the Adaptive Sports Grant Program and applaud the VA for awarding this funding to help our veterans improve their independence, well-being and quality of life through adaptive sports and therapeutic programs. These brave men and women have sacrificed so much to defend America and our freedoms and we are forever indebted to them. That’s why I remain committed to improving services for Ohio’s 774,000 veterans and will continue to advocate for them until they receive the care they have earned.”

Specifically, the Geneva Area Recreational, Educational and Athletic Trust received $33,219, the Adaptive Sports Program of Ohio was awarded $158,641, the Columbus Recreation and Parks Community Rec Council received $59,415, and the Turn was awarded $41,700. As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, Dave has consistently provided robust funding for the VA’s Adaptive Sports Grant Program. In Fiscal Year 2019, Dave successfully led the effort to secure a $6 million increase for this important program, bringing its funding up to $15 million.

It is estimated that this $14.8 million in adaptive sports grants will reach about 11,000 veterans and service members from every state, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Grant recipients can use this funding for planning, developing, managing and implementing adaptive sports programs. This includes equine therapy as well as adaptive sports such as cycling, kayaking, archery, hiking, hunting and paragliding.

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