The National Sports Center for the Disabled is the only adaptive sports program in Grand County and the Denver area that provides weekly ongoing experiences for veterans year-round. No matter the weather, the sports center provides outdoors activities for vets through its Military Appreciation Program. Active service members can also participate.

“The NSCD’s (National Sports Center for the Disabled) programs are designed to help veterans with disabilities to rethink their own abilities and reimagine what is possible in their own lives,” said Julie Taulman, president and CEO of the organization. “Currently no other adaptive sports providers in the Denver metro area, and Grand County are providing the depth and breadth of programs for veterans with disabilities.”

This summer and fall, veterans participated in weekly sports such as air rifle, archery, paddling, mountain biking and rock climbing.

Grants make the nonprofit’s programs possible

The Military Appreciation Program is designed for veterans to build social support networks with other veterans. In August, the program got a boost from the Disabled Veterans National Foundation.

“Their programs offer not only physical activity but also crucial social support and a sense of community, which are vital for the well-being and reintegration of veterans,” stated Joseph VanFonda, CEO of Disabled Veterans National Foundation.

VanFonda is a retired sergeant major in the United States Marine Corps. The National Foundation provided a $20,000 grant for the sports center’s program.

“By funding these programs (the foundation) is helping veterans discover new passions and capabilities, fostering resilience and a renewed sense of purpose,” he stated.

With the foundation’s support, the sports center is able to provide free adaptive sports for veterans and active military members with disabilities. With the burden of cost removed, participants of walks of life can experience diverse outdoor pursuits.

Taulman explained that other organizations contribute financially to the appreciation program, in addition to the Veterans National Foundation.

“The funding allows us to continue to provide these really important programs for military,” Taulman said. “They’re utilizing the great outdoors to help support them through their recovery from either a disability or PTSD, or if they have a social emotional scar from serving in the military.”

On Oct. 7, the Department of Veterans Affairs for Colorado awarded the sports center $145,394. These funds go towards summer and winter sports for vets, from skiing to rafting. U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet secured this funding, in partnership with the Veterans Affairs’ Adaptive Sports Grant Program.

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

About the National Sports Center for the Disabled

The National Sports Center for the Disabled offers adaptive outdoor experiences from skiing, hiking and horseback riding to rafting, archery, camping and more. Elite athletes come from around the world to train at Winter Park Resort and ski competitively at the highest levels of their sport. Learn more at visit NSCD.org.

This story is from SkyHiNews.com.