Michael F. Bennet

10/08/2024 | Press release | Archived content

Bennet, Hickenlooper Welcome Funding for Colorado Organizations Supporting Veterans

Bennet, Hickenlooper Welcome Funding for Colorado Organizations Supporting Veterans

October 08, 2024

Denver - Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper welcomed over $1.6 millionfrom the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)for eight Colorado organizations that offer adaptive sports, recreational activities, and equine therapy for veterans and service members living with disabilities.

"Our veterans have sacrificed so much to keep our country safe, and we owe them our support after they have served," said Bennet."Colorado veterans deserve to live a full and independent life, and this funding will help wounded heroes access athletics and other recreational activities."

"Adaptive sports give our wounded veterans a community and outlet for mental health," said Hickenlooper. "This funding makes it easier for our disabled vets to hit the slopes and enjoy all the outdoor activities that make Colorado special."

The funding comes from the VA's' Adaptive Sports Grant Program, which supports more opportunities for disabled veterans to play recreational sports and activities customized to better fit their needs. The VA has awarded over $119 million in grants through the Adaptive Sports Grant Program during the last nine years.

A full list of selected organizations is below:


Location

Project Name

Amount Awarded

Sports

Westminster

Adaptive Adventures

$748,510

Alpine Skiing, Climbing, Cycling, Dragon Boat, Kayaking, Paddleboarding, Snowboarding

Snowmass Village

Challenge Aspen

$230,100

Alpine Skiing, Archery, Biking, Fly Fishing, Snowboarding

Crested Butte

Adaptive Sports Center of Crested Butte, Inc.

$180,320

Alpine Skiing, Backpacking, Biking, Canoeing, Climbing, Cycling, Kayaking, Nordic Skiing, Paddleboarding, Rafting, Snowshoeing

Denver

National Sports Center for the Disabled

$145,394

Air Gun, Alpine Skiing, Archery, Biking, Boating, Climbing, Fishing, Hiking, Nordic Skiing, Rafting, Snowboarding

Breckenridge

Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center

$105,637

Air Rifle, Archery, Boccia, Cycling, Golf, Kayaking, Powerlifting, Rowing, Sitting Volleyball, Table Tennis, Wheelchair Basketball

Colorado Springs

Archery School of the Rockies Inc.

$94,416

Archery

Vail

Vail Veterans Foundation, Inc.

$72,515

Alpine Skiing, Fly Fishing, Horseback Riding, Rafting, Rock Climbing, Snowboarding, Ziplining

Fruita

Harmony Acres Equestrian Center

$67,201

Equine-Assisted Activities and Therapies