Disabled Sports USA and Wounded Warrior Project Announce Sports Program

Those severely wounded in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, will participate this summer in sport rehabilitation offered by Disabled Sports USA (DS/USA), its chapters and Wounded Warrior Project. This year's summer activities for the Wounded Warrior Disabled Sports Project will include a series of more than 30 "learn-to" clinics in cycling, golf, outrigger canoeing, kayaking, scuba, rock climbing, camping, water skiing, wake boarding, track and field, and other sports.

Advanced level training and competitions are also offered to help the Wounded Warriors to remain active throughout their lives. Several of the wounded warriors have been certified as ski instructors and scuba divers, and some are training to be Paralympians, as a result of this program. Many have become active in local DS/USA chapter activities, once they return to civilian life.

Disabled Sports USA provides all sports programs free of charge for severely wounded service members and their families. This includes costs for transportation, special adaptive sports equipment, training from qualified instructors, lodging, meals and other costs.

"The Wounded Warrior Disabled Sports Project is truly a successful partnership and we are honored to be able to offer severely wounded service members and their families opportunities to participate in recreational activities," stated John Melia, Executive Director and Founder of Wounded Warrior Project. "The road to recovery is measured in years and through the WWDSP, we will continue to grow a community of active rehabilitation to engage wounded soldiers for a lifetime."

"This summer's programs will include active sports that will show our wounded warriors they can lead active lives despite their severe wounds." said Kirk Bauer, executive director of Disabled Sports USA and a disabled Vietnam veteran.

Activities will be held for severely wounded service members rehabilitating in Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C.; Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas; Balboa Naval Medical Center in San Diego California; and Veterans Hospitals in Tampa Florida and Palo Alto California. Wounded Warriors discharged from the military will also have the opportunity to continue to participate at DS/USA national and chapter programs throughout the USA, so they can maintain an active sports life.

In addition to Wounded Warrior Project, sponsors include AIG insurance, The Chart Group, Ariel Corporation, Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC), Moore Capital Management, Cushman & Wakefield, Trijicon, Non Commissioned Officers Association, Marine Corps Celebrity Classic, Robert Trent Jones Golf Club Charitable Foundation, General Dynamics, Battelle, SeaMobile and others.

About the Wounded Warrior Project
The Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) is a non-profit organization aimed at assisting those men and women of the United States armed forces who have been severely injured during the war on terrorism in Iraq, Afghanistan and other hot spots around the world. Beginning at the bedside of the severely wounded, WWP provides programs and services designated to ease the burdens of these heroes and their families, aid in the recovery process and smooth the transition back to civilian life. For more information, please call (904) 296-7350 or visit www.woundedwarriorproject.org.

About Disabled Sports USA
Founded in 1967 by disabled Vietnam veterans, Disabled Sports USA provides opportunities for individuals with disabilities to gain confidence and dignity through sports, recreation and educational programs. DS/USA is a national multi-sport, multi-disability organization serving more than 60,000 youth and adults annually.

A member of the U.S. Olympic Committee, DS/USA offers programs through its nationwide network of 90 community-based chapters operating in 36 states. Visit www.dsusa.org/woundedwarrior.html or (301) 217-9840 for schedules and additional information.