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Adaptive sports funding and staffing draw bipartisan attention; veterans groups urge larger grants and stronger outreach
Summary
Nonprofit and VA witnesses told the House subcommittee that adaptive sports grant funding has not kept pace with needs, that VA should formalize coordinator roles and protect recreational therapists, and that more outreach is needed so veterans know about available programs.
WASHINGTON — Witnesses from veteran service organizations, national nonprofits and VA told the House Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity that adaptive sports programs help veterans’ physical and mental recovery but need more funding, clearer administration and improved outreach.
Mike Owens, director of adaptive sports at Wounded Warrior Project and a Marine Corps veteran, said adaptive sports events such as WWP’s Soldier Ride produce measurable improvements in confidence and community ties and recommended that Congress increase funding for the VA Adaptive Sports Grants Program. He noted that the program’s appropriated amount — $16,500,000 — has not been increased since fiscal 2016 and that a new requirement to dedicate…
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