Celebrating independence with adaptive sports and therapeutic recreation

For several consecutive years, the America’s Warrior Partnership Annual Survey has found that recreational programs are the first thing Veterans seek after securing resources for critical needs. Recreational activities offer a fun way to adjust to civilian life, connect with fellow Veterans and community members, and provide an overall boost to mental wellness. The challenge for Veterans who are rehabilitating from an injury is finding a recreational program that offers adaptive sports that will accommodate disabilities or physical challenges.

Adaptive sports and therapeutic recreation programs enable Veterans with a disability to participate in activities ranging from fishing and hunting to golf and car racing. As demand for adaptive sports continues to grow, America’s Warrior Partnership empowers Veterans to find their ideal recreational program through services such as the Four Star Alliance and The Network.

The Four Star Alliance – Find a suitable recreation program

The Four Star Alliance is an online community of adaptive sports, therapeutic recreation, and wellness organizations. Managed by America’s Warrior Partnership, it includes more than 50 member organizations based across the country that are committed to serving transitioning service members, Veterans, their families and caregivers.

Each organization joining the Four Star Alliance passes a comprehensive vetting process to ensure they are financially stable, properly staffed, and are willing to make and take referrals from a partnering Veteran organization. As a result, Veterans can confidently contact a member organization knowing that they will understand their unique experiences and perspectives.

Any Veteran seeking adaptive sports or therapeutic recreation can visit www.FourStarAlliance.org to view a list of member organizations, more information about each program and how to contact them. Veterans interested in applying for a program can contact the member organization to discuss upcoming opportunities.

The Network – Find a resource from outside your community

In situations when a recreation program or other service is unavailable locally, Veterans can consult The Network to connect with an organization or resource provider that can assist them. As a program of America’s Warrior Partnership and powered by the WarriorServe®, The Network is a national coordination platform that expands the reach of local Veterans Service Organizations (VSO) by connecting them to national resources.

Veterans can submit a self-referral by visiting www.AmericasWarriorPartnership.org/the-network or call 1-866-AWPVETS for 24/7 support. After contacting The Network, a dedicated case worker will work with the Veteran to identify the resources they seek and connect them with an appropriate service provider.

As the nation celebrates Independence Day this Fourth of July, these resources stand ready to empower Veterans in reclaiming their own independence through adaptive sports, therapeutic recreation and other community-based services.

About America’s Warrior Partnership

America’s Warrior Partnership is a national nonprofit that empowers communities to empower Veterans. The organization’s mission starts with connecting community groups with local Veterans to understand their unique situations. With this knowledge in mind, America’s Warrior Partnership connects local groups with the appropriate resources to proactively and holistically support Veterans at every stage of their lives.

The sharing of any non-VA information does not constitute an endorsement of products and services on part of VA.

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Kelli Lusk is a public relations & marketing manager at America’s Warrior Partnership.