From the HERE City State Desk
Two Michigan organizations will share $352,800 in federal grants to run adaptive sports programs for veterans and active-duty service members, the Department of Veterans Affairs announced.
The money goes to Disability Network Eastern Michigan in Troy and the Regents of the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. They are the only Michigan recipients among 91 organizations nationwide that are sharing $16 million in this round of the VA Adaptive Sports Grant Program.
The Michigan awards were announced by the VA Saginaw Healthcare System, which is based at the Aleda E. Lutz VA Medical Center in Saginaw and serves veterans across a 35-county region.
Adaptive sports programs are meant to help veterans build independence and quality of life through competitive and recreational activities. The VA lists archery, skiing, cycling, wheelchair softball, hunting and fishing among the options.
Tony Colon, executive director of the Saginaw system, said the grants expand opportunities for veterans with disabilities to stay active, build confidence and connect with others. Since the grant program began, the VA has awarded more than $150 million nationwide.
