COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - USA Archery has proudly awarded 15 Veteran Athlete Equipment Grants to athletes who are also USA archery members, as well as disabled veterans. Recipients will receive up to $1,000 each to be used for the purchase of archery equipment.
The grant program aims to assist athletes to get involved in the sport of archery and to help to advance to next-step programs including making the Para United States Archery Team. Additionally, athletes already participating in archery utilize the grants to enhance their competitive training.
Grant recipient Eric Heideman commented, “Receiving multiple diagnoses after an IED accident in Afghanistan lead me on a downward spiral. Once I began receiving the help I needed to overcome my new normal, I was introduced to adaptive sports through Air Force Wounded Warrior.
“Archery quickly became my solitude when life got a little too hectic. Currently, one of my service-connected conditions is progressively getting worse, leading to more costly adaptive equipment.
“Receiving this grant from USA Archery was not only an honor but a huge help, allowing me to continue competing in a sport I love, a sport that has been a huge part of my recovery process. USA Archery is amazing for offering this grant. It’s humbling to have been selected.”
USA Archery’s Chief of Sport Performance and Operations, Mary Emmons added, “USA Archery proudly supports veterans with disabilities, and we look forward to seeing how this equipment will help each athlete advance within the sport and the athlete development pipeline.”
For more information on adaptive archery and related resources, contact [email protected].
Disclaimer: This grant was funded by a grant from the United States Department of Veteran Affairs. The opinions, findings and conclusions stated herein are those of USA Archery and do not necessarily reflect those of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.
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