ROCKVILLE, Md., Feb. 3, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- More than 250 youth, wounded warriors and adults with disabilities will benefit from rehabilitation programs in sports and recreation in three locations in Colorado and California due to an $80,000 grant from the Anthem Foundation to Disabled Sports USA (DSUSA).
This particular grant provides local adaptive sports opportunities to wounded warriors, adults and youth with disabilities by supporting the DSUSA chapter's United States Adaptive Recreation Center in Big Bear Lake, California; the Adaptive Sports and Recreation Association in San Diego, California; and, the National Sports Center for the Disabled in Winter Park, Colorado. The goal of the grant is to help participants achieve healthy lifestyles and sustain the activity levels recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
As a result of the lack of access to adaptive equipment, specialized instruction and accessible facilities, youth and adults with disabilities are much more likely to be physically inactive, resulting in much higher risks for health-related diseases. A Harris Interactive research study of more than 1,000 adults with disabilities showed that those who participate in DSUSA adaptive sports programs were significantly happier, healthier and more likely to be employed than those who do not participate in adaptive sports.
"This generous grant from the Anthem Foundation makes it possible for youth and wounded warriors to enjoy the significant benefits of adaptive sports participation," said Kirk Bauer, executive director of DSUSA and a disabled Vietnam veteran. "Research has proven that individuals who participate in adaptive sports and recreational programs are more likely to lead healthier, happier and more productive lives."
"As the nation prepares to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, we are honored to continue our partnership with Disabled Sports USA," said Pam Kehaly, president of Anthem Inc.'s Specialty Business, Commercial Strategy and West Region. "We know how important it is to provide sports and recreational opportunities to those with disabilities, and we understand the influence these programs have on helping individuals develop independence, increase confidence, improve fitness levels and enjoy healthier lifestyles."
The Anthem Foundation's parent company recognizes and values the talents of people with disabilities. The company has an associate resource group for people with disabilities called Abilities Beyond Limited Expectations (ABLE). ABLE is dedicated to providing associates with disabilities with numerous resources and a network that supports their personal and professional goals.
The Anthem Foundation has provided DSUSA and its chapters with more than $400,000 in grant support since 2011 for adaptive sports programming in more than 40 different winter and summer sports, including: skiing, snowboarding, golf, kayaking, rafting, cycling, rock climbing, scuba diving, fishing, surfing, sailing, and more.
The Anthem Foundation grant to DSUSA is part of its continuing work to promote healthy, active lifestyles in communities across the country. Through its Healthy Generations program, the Anthem Foundation works to identify the issues most in need of attention and then directs its charitable support and volunteer efforts toward improving health in those areas.
About Disabled Sports USA
Founded in 1967, Disabled Sports USA is a national, charitable organization that provides opportunities for individuals with disabilities to develop independence, confidence and fitness through participation in sports. What began as a program to serve Vietnam veterans has since grown into one of the nation's largest multi-sport, multi-disability organizations, annually serving more than 60,000 wounded warriors, youth and adults with disabilities. A member of the U.S. Olympic Committee, Disabled Sports USA offers programs in more than 40 summer and winter sports through its nationwide network of more than 100 community-based chapters. For more information, visit http://www.disabledsportsusa.org.
About Anthem Foundation
The Anthem Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Anthem, Inc. and through charitable contributions and programs, the Foundation promotes the inherent commitment of Anthem, Inc. to enhance the health and well-being of individuals and families in communities that Anthem, Inc. and its affiliated health plans serve. The Foundation focuses its funding on strategic initiatives that address and provide innovative solutions to health care challenges, as well as promoting the Healthy Generations Program, a multi-generational initiative that targets specific disease states and medical conditions. These disease states and medical conditions include: prenatal care in the first trimester, low birth weight babies, cardiac morbidity rates, long term activities that decrease obesity and increase physical activity, diabetes prevalence in adult populations, adult pneumococcal and influenza vaccinations and smoking cessation. The Foundation also coordinates the company's year-round Associate Giving program which provides a 50 percent match of associates' campaign pledges, as well as its Volunteer Time Off and Dollars for Doers community service programs. To learn more about the Anthem Foundation, please visit http://www.anthem.foundation and its blog at http://anthemfoundation.tumblr.com.