University of Texas Arlington

ARLINGTON – The University of Texas at Arlington has received $17,500 for enhanced­­­ sport programming for disabled veterans and disabled members of the armed forces.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $4.4 million to 95 community-based organizations in support of Paralympic sport and physical activity programs.

This is the third year the University has received a U.S. Paralympic Olympic Opportunity Fund Grant.

The University hosts an official Paralympics Sports Club
through the Movin’ Mavs adaptive sports program. The club provides adaptive sports clinics and camps for the public in cooperation with the Veterans Affairs’ Warrior Transition Programs. 

UT Arlington staff members serve as coaches for the Army Warrior Transition Command Wheelchair Basketball developmental program and the Army National Wheelchair Basketball Team that won the Gold Medal at the 2011 Warrior Games and are training for the 2012 Warrior Games.

“It is an honor for us to be able to work with U.S. Paralympics and the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide sport and recreation programming for our veterans with disabilities,” said Doug Garner, UTA Movin’ Mavs coach and assistant director of adaptive sports in the Campus Recreation Department of Student Affairs.

“The value of sports and recreation programming to help these men and women transition back into everyday life has been proven to be a key in maintaining mental and physical health for this population,” he said.

Through the program, grants ranging from $2,500 to $500,000 were provided to U.S. Olympic Committee partner organizations and community programs. The funds will help increase the number and quality of opportunities for physically or visually impaired veterans to participate in physical activity and in more advanced Paralympic sport programs at the regional and national levels.

Chris Nowak, director of the Veterans Affairs National Veterans Sports Programs and Special Events, said his organization couldn’t be happier with this latest round of grants awarded to partner organizations.

“These grants provide more outlets for our disabled veterans and injured service men and women to stay active and perhaps, ultimately, the opportunity to take their athleticism to the next level of competition as a U.S. Paralympian,” Nowak said.

Scott Blackmun, USOC CEO, added: “Through the USOC/Veterans Affairs partnership, many community programs have been able to expand their programming and provide increased opportunities for Veterans to participate.”

Research has shown that regular participation in physical activity has a positive effect on the rehabilitation process, self-esteem, education, employment and overall health.

Visit www.uta.edu/movinmavs for more information about UT Arlington’s Movin’ Mavs.

The University of Texas at Arlington is a comprehensive research institution of 33,439 students in the heart of North Texas. Visit www.uta.edu to learn more.

###

The University of Texas at Arlington is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer.