Veterans with disabilities in Miami-Dade County are set to receive a substantial boost in adaptive sports programming thanks to a generous grant from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department's Therapeutic Recreation and Inclusion (T.R.I.) unit has been awarded $114,480.77, as confirmed by Miami-Dade County's recent press release. This funding is aimed to directly increase and expand accessible sports opportunities for veterans.
Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava highlighted the intent behind the funding, "This grant represents an opportunity to honor the resilience and dedication of Miami-Dade's servicemen and women." She added that the community's commitment to veterans remains unwavering, with the programs providing critical resources to aid in their journey towards healing and reintegration into civilian life. Maria I. Nardi, Director of Miami-Dade Parks, echoed these sentiments, explaining that the grant allows them "to enhance the physical and mental well-being" of veterans, offering adaptive sports for promoting healing and personal growth, according to Miami-Dade County's press release.
The grant comes at a critical time, as the VA reports a staggering 1.43 million veterans residing in Florida alone, many of whom face challenges such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), and physical disabilities. Research by the VA has shown that adaptive sports can lead to significant improvements in veterans' overall well-being when they participate regularly. It is within these facts that the urgency of the grant is firmly rooted and its benefits stand ready to be harvested by the veteran community.
The awarded grant will effectively allow Miami-Dade Parks to continue and expand their current adaptive sports offerings such as archery, cycling and wheelchair basketball, among others. Programs are designed not just to physically rehabilitate but also to "improve their physical and mental health, and help build their self-esteem for living a happier and healthier life," Gisel Prado, manager of the T.R.I. unit told in Miami-Dade County's release. These benefits are magnified when one considers the camaraderie and socialization inherent in sports which can prove to be vital in the rehabilitation process.
Miami-Dade Parks is hardly working alone in this endeavor. A network of partnerships has been woven, including the Leisure Access Foundation, various local VA medical centers, and the Paralyzed Veterans of America Florida Chapter. These organizations are joining forces to bring about a synergy where veterans find not only access to recreational opportunities but also a community ready to support them in their journey.
For those veterans interested in exploring the available adaptive sports, more details can be garnered by contacting Eric Cooper, CTRS, at 786-626-7980 or via email at [email protected]. The full list of sports clinics including additional information about the programs can be found on the Miami-Dade Parks website. This grant ensures that the efforts to integrate veterans with disabilities into the community through the power of sports and recreation are not only appreciated but adequately funded.
