EDMOND —
U.S. Paralympics, a division of the U.S. Olympic Committee, has selected the University of Central Oklahoma as one of 95 organizations to receive funding through an Olympic Opportunity Paralympic Fund grant, enabling the university to continue programming for disabled veterans and members of the armed forces.
“We are very honored and excited about this grant and what it means for disabled military athletes,” said Kimo Aweau, Central’s military sports coordinator.
“The grant gives service members an opportunity to come to Central and train in a sport they love free of charge.”
Central’s Military Sports program plans to use the grant funds to finance the Regional Center of Excellence, a group of camps that help emerging disabled military athletes excel in the Paralympic sports.
Upcoming camps include:
• Wheelchair basketball, Feb. 6, Ft. Sill in Lawton.;
• Powerlifting, March 16-18, Central’s Wellness Center;
• Cycling, April 20-22, Wellness Center; and
• Archery and powerlifting, June 4-6, various locations on Central’s campus.
All Edmond events are free and open to the public for viewing.
U.S. Paralympics provided grants ranging from $2,500 to $500,000 to USOC partner organizations and community programs to increase opportunities for physically or visually impaired veterans to participate in physical activity within their home communities.
Research has shown that regular participation in physical activity has a positive effect on the rehabilitation process, self-esteem, education, employment and overall health.
Central became an official U.S. Olympic Training Site in July 2009, and has been an official U.S. Paralympic Training Site since 2005. At Central, athletes can train for Olympic volleyball and archery and any Paralympic sport. Currently, Central hosts 16 resident athletes in the Paralympic sports of sitting volleyball, archery and track and field.
For more information about the grant and military camps at Central, contact Aweau at 974-3154 or kaweau@uco.edu.
University Life
Related Photos
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Army Staff Sgt. Ruben Tiago Pedro practices serving during a sitting volleyball camp held at the University of Central Oklahoma's Wellness Center in December 2011. Wounded warriors such as Pedro will continue to receive adaptive sports training at Central through funds granted by the U.S. Paralympic Committee. PHOTO PROVIDED
Discussion
Grant allows UCO to continue camps for injured veterans
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