A Partnership Between The Wounded Warrior Project and Disabled Sports USA
What is the Wounded Warrior Disabled Sports Project?
Disabled Sports USA (DS/USA) has been named by Walter Reed Army Medical Center (WRAMC) as the lead agency providing sports and recreation opportunities to service members with permanent physical disabilities resulting from the conflict in Iraq and the Global War on Terrorism. Thanks to our donors, the severely wounded service members receive these services free of charge, including the costs of participation of a family member.
Disabled Sports USA, in cooperation with its chapters and The Wounded Warrior Project (a program of United Spinal Association), provides a variety of opportunities for our dedicated service members and their families to experience everything life has to offer through sports and recreation. This includes (but is not limited to): Outrigger Canoeing; Golf; Water-Skiing; Cycling; Athletics; Kayaking/Adventure Sports; Fishing; Rock Climbing; Alpine & Nordic Skiing and Snowboarding. Programs are conducted in the Maryland/Virginia area, while the soldiers and Marines are undergoing rehabilitation at WRAMC; and at sites throughout the USA.
These soldiers are going through a very difficult time. They were warriors, athletic and the majority are in their twenties. This sudden, traumatic change in physical ability makes service members vulnerable to psychological and emotional, as well as physical trauma; which severely impacts them and their families.
What they need is something NOW that will show them the promise of a bright and active future. Sport provides this. With the proper adaptive equipment and trained instructors, they can successfully learn a sport--almost any sport—in ONE day. This immediate success provides a foundation for the development of a positive self-image and outlook on life. This transformation is embodied in DS/USA's motto: "I can do this, I can do anything!"
How Can I Support the Wounded Warrior Disabled Sports Project?
Send your tax deductible contribution (made payable to "Disabled Sports USA") to:
451 Hungerford Drive, Suite 100, Rockville MD 20850.
Please mark your check "Soldier Fund/Smith River Montana"
You may also make your credit card donation by calling Julia Ray on 301-217-9840
(Referencing the Smith River Trip, Montana)
About The Wounded Warrior Project
Wounded Warrior Project (WWP), is a program of the United Spinal Association, a non-profit national veterans service and disability rights organization. Through this program, United Spinal shares its 57 years of expertise in veterans advocacy with a new generation of veterans trying to readjust to civilian life. The WWP has delivered over 3,000 backpacks filled with comfort items to soldiers recovering at military hospitals around the world including Bethesda and Walter Reed. Among the various free services the WWP provides are Veterans Affairs benefits counseling and vocational training. The program also sponsors adaptive sports clinics and activities that assist the veterans during their rehabilitation process. WWP is currently working to get legislation passed that would enable disabled veterans to have disability insurance – whereas now they are only eligible for life insurance. For more information, please visit www.woundedwarriorproject.org or call 1-800-404-2898.
About Disabled Sports USA
Founded in 1967 by disabled Vietnam veterans, Disabled Sports USA (DS/USA) provides opportunities for individuals with physical disabilities to gain confidence and dignity through sports, recreation and educational programs. The organization is the nation's largest multi-sport, multi-disability organization serving more than 60,000 people nationwide. A member of the U.S. Olympic Committee, DS/USA conducts training camps and competitions to prepare athletes for the Paralympic Games. DS/USA offers sports rehabilitation
programs through its nationwide network of over 80 community-based chapters. Call 301-217-9840. |
