The USOC Paralympic Military Program provides post-rehabilitation support and mentoring to American servicemen and women who've sustained physical injuries. Veterans are introduced to adaptive sport techniques and opportunities through clinics and camps and are also connected with ongoing Paralympic sports programs in their hometowns.

The program isn't just about sports; it's also about attitude, camaraderie and promoting healthy, active lifestyles. A huge role in that process is played by mentors, made up of Paralympic athletes - athletes who've gone through similar experiences by overcoming their own physical disabilities to achieve excellence.

Paralympic Military Sports Camp

Two times annually, U.S. Paralympics hosts Military Sports Camps, multi-day events for veterans with physical disabilities. During each camp, participants attend sports clinics conducted by Paralympic athletes and coaches and participate in light competition.

Community-Based Programs

U.S. Paralympics is leading the development of new Paralympic sport programs in 250 American cities by 2012. With 21 million physically disabled Americans, including more than 28,000 military personnel who've been injured during the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, this is an important community need.

Research shows that people who participate in daily physical activity experience enhanced self-esteem and improved peer relationships, which correlate to increased achievement, overall better health and a higher quality of life.

Veterans Paralympic Performance Program

The Veterans Paralympic Performance Program (VP3) supports Paralympic-eligible military veterans in their efforts to represent the USA at upcoming Paralympic Games. Veterans are selected based on their qualifications and commitment, and they live in residence at one of six U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Centers or Sites. They receive full-time, year-round training and support, including leadership from a U.S. Paralympics coach.

For more information, as well as a link to the VP3 application page, click here.

Articles

• Brooke Army Medical Center - http://www.bamc.amedd.army.mil/
• Walter Reed Army Medical Center - http://www.wramc.army.mil/
• Balboa Naval Medical Center - http://www-nmcsd.med.navy.mil/
• Paralyzed Veterans of America National Veterans Wheelchair Games - http://www.pva.org/sports/games/gameindex.htm
• Disabled Sports USA Wounded Warrior Disabled Sports Project - http://www.dsusa.org/programs-wwdsp-about.html
• Disabled American Veterans Winter Sports Clinic - http://miracles.dav.org/
• Career Center for the Military Severely Injured Center - http://www.military.com/support

The U.S. Disabled Athletes Fund is the legacy organization of the 1996 Atlanta Paralympic Games and is the parent organization of BlazeSports America, the only national community-based sports program for youth and adults with physical disability. BlazeSports America programs are now available in 43 communities in 22 states and the District of Columbia.  For more information visit http://www.blazesports.com/ .