Miami-Dade Receives Grant to Offer Adaptive Sports for Veterans

Local military veterans who have suffered significant injuries will have an opportunity to receive therapy and have fun at the same time. They will be able to enjoy a variety of competitive sports, as the Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department’s Therapeutic Recreation and Inclusion (T.R.I.) unit has received a grant award of $114,480.77 from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Being part of the Grants for Adaptive Sports Programs and Service Members with Disabilities program, the goal is to expand the unit’s adaptive sports programs for veterans.

“This grant represents an opportunity to honor the resilience and dedication of Miami-Dade's servicemen and women,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “Our commitment to supporting and uplifting our veterans remains a steadfast priority, and through these programs, we provide vital resources to help veterans with disabilities on their journey to healing and rebuilding their lives in a beautiful park setting.”

The program's goals include providing adaptive sports activities designed to enhance the rehabilitative, therapeutic, and whole-life health of veterans and service members across the complete spectrum of adaptive sports activities – from recreational to elite levels of competition.

“Miami-Dade Parks is truly grateful for the generous grant from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to support our adaptive sports program,” said Maria I. Nardi, Director of Miami-Dade Parks. “This funding enables us to enhance the physical and mental well-being of those who have served our country, offering them the chance to engage in adaptive sports and recreation that promote healing, camaraderie, and personal growth, through parks.”

The Miami-Dade Parks T.R.I unit offers the following adaptive sports clinics: Archery, Art & Movement, Boccia, Cycling, Fishing, Golf, Kayaking, Pickleball, Swimming, Trap Shooting, and Wheelchair Basketball. Upon completion of the sports clinics, participants can continue in the activities free of charge.

Many programs participate in Miami-Dade Parks’ annual Adaptive Sports Experience, as well as other regional and national sports events. They also receive mentorship from the Parks Department’s own Miami HEAT Wheels wheelchair basketball team that competes in the National Wheelchair Basketball Association (NWBA).

“We are honored that Miami-Dade Parks has received this generous grant award from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. These much-needed funds will allow us to provide more adaptive sports programming for local veterans with disabilities, to improve their physical and mental health, and help build their self-esteem for living a happier and healthier life,” said Gisel Prado, manager of Miami-Dade Parks T.R.I.

The Miami-Dade County Parks T.R.I. unit promotes the involvement of people with disabilities in all Miami-Dade County Parks’ services and activities.  The unit trains individuals with physical and visual impairments desiring to engage in recreational and competitive adaptive sports. 

Partners include the Leisure Access Foundation, therapists from the Bruce W. Carter Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Miami, the Miami Veterans Medical Center, the Paralyzed Veterans of America Florida Chapter, The Wounded Warrior Project, Miami-Dade County ECO Adventures, the Miami Vet Center, and the Veteran’s Services Coalition of Miami-Dade County.