U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and U.S. Olympic Committee Launch Paralympic Community Initiative to Serve Physically Disabled Veterans

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and U.S. Olympic Committee Launch
Paralympic Community Initiative to Serve Physically Disabled Veterans

WASHINGTON, Oct. 21 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, the Department of
Veterans Affairs (VA) and the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) signed a
memorandum of understanding to provide Paralympic sport programming and
additional community support, including funding and resources, to injured
servicemembers and Veterans across the country.

"Americans have a covenant to care for those who have served our nation with
honor," said Eric K. Shinseki, Secretary of the Department of Veterans
Affairs. "VA is proud to fulfill that covenant through this partnership with
U.S. Paralympics, which gives injured Veterans an opportunity to rediscover
their potential and redefine their capabilities. Too often, the world sees
only their limitations -- we know their potential. Disabled Veterans show us
how to live life. Life for them is not just about winning or losing at sports
events. It's about the joy that comes from triumphing over adversity, and
their triumph is the fight each and every day."

Under the terms of the agreement signed today, the U.S. Olympic Committee and
its Paralympic Division, along with USOC member organizations, including
Veteran and military organizations, will expand rehabilitative support at the
community level in collaboration with the VA, to injured Veterans. Support
includes training, equipment, access to Paralympic mentors and ongoing sports
programming in communities across the country.

"Research shows that sports and physical activity provide incredible healing
power and contribute significantly to successful rehabilitation and
re-engagement in life for people and soldiers who become physically disabled,"
said Charlie Huebner, Chief of Paralympics, USOC. "A significant need is
ensuring access to programs for injured Veterans at the community level. By
collaborating with VA, we can ensure that Olympic and Paralympic
community-based and Veteran sport organizations connect injured service
members to local programs immediately, and resources are provided to those
programs to meet the need through VA funded USOC grants."

The Veterans' Benefits Improvement Act of 2008 authorizes VA to award $8
million in annual grant support to the U.S. Paralympics to plan, develop,
manage, and implement an integrated adaptive sports program for disabled
Veterans and disabled members of the Armed Forces.

Calling the partnership an important step in ensuring that USOC Paralympic
Military Program is capable of supporting Veteran athletes, Chairman Filner
said, "For many service members and Veterans who have been severely-injured,
their rehabilitation can be a disheartening experience. The partnership
between USOC and VA will provide injured service members and veterans more
opportunities to heal and grow, while in an environment of athletic
competition and sport. For so many wounded warriors, this program provides a
valuable chance to explore new limits, dream new dreams, and continue their
active lifestyle."

In addition, $2 million in direct Veteran support will be provided for injured
servicemembers who are seeking competitive sport opportunities.

"When I had the pleasure of visiting the U.S. Olympic Committee training site
in Chula Vista, California, I saw first-hand how sports strengthen these
heroes physically, mentally and emotionally," said Congressman Buyer. "These
qualities of the heart and mind translated into other areas of life often lead
to great success and accomplishments, and I am excited about this milestone in
Veterans' rehabilitation."

Headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colo., U.S. Paralympics is a division of
the USOC and was formed in May 2001 with the goal of enhancing programs,
obtaining funding and providing competitive opportunities for athletes with
physical disabilities to participate in Paralympic sports.

SOURCE U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Katie Roberts of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, +1-202-461-4982,
katie.roberts@va.gov or Beth Bourgeois of the U.S. Paralympics,
+1-719-866-2039, beth.bourgeois@usoc.org