Tester Announces Adaptive Sports Grant for Disabled Veterans in Montana

Senator helped secure funding for Whitefish organization connecting disabled veterans with outdoor adaptive recreational opportunities

U.S. Senator Jon Tester, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs, today announced that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has awarded a grant to Disabled Recreation Environmental Access Movement (DREAM) Adaptive Recreation Inc., an organization in Whitefish that helps enhance quality of life for individuals with disabilities by providing year-round outdoor adaptive recreation opportunities. This funding will help disabled veterans in Montana improve their independence, well-being, and quality of life through outdoor activities tailored to their needs.

"We have a duty to ensure that our veterans receive the health care and services they need for their seen and unseen wounds of war. That means reaching them wherever they are and ensuring they have access to an array of health care options, including outdoor activities," said Tester. "This grant will support the work of DREAM Adaptive Recreations Inc., providing veterans with the opportunity to pursue outdoor recreation to meet their needs and improve their quality of life."

As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs and a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Tester has long fought to secure funding for adaptive recreation opportunities for disabled veterans. Earlier this year, he sent letters of support to VA, urging the Department to award these critical funds to support Montana's veteran population. This year, VA awarded more than $15 million in grants to national, regional, and community programs across that country that provide these services.