U.S. Paralympics Accepting Proposals for Grants

U.S. Paralympics, a division of the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC), is currently accepting proposals for the 2011 Olympic Opportunity Fund. The programme will provide $5,000 to $25,000 per grant to community-based organizations to create and expand Paralympic sport and physical activity programs for disabled Veterans and disabled members of the Armed Forces.

The Olympic Opportunity Fund is provided through a partnership between the USOC and the Department of Veterans Affairs. Through this programme, the USOC and its partner organizations will collaborate to increase the number and quality of opportunities for physically or visually impaired Veterans to participate in physical activity within their home communities and in more advanced Paralympic sport programs at the regional and national levels.

"These grants will allow organizations across the country to develop and enhance programs for disabled Veterans and disabled members of our Armed Forces at the community level," said USOC CEO Scott Blackmun. "Expanding the availability and access to these programs is vital in giving Veterans with physical and visual disabilities opportunities to not only participate, but rehabilitate their mind and body through sport."

Organizations eligible to apply for the Olympic Opportunity Fund include Paralympic Sport Clubs, USOC member organizations, military and Veteran service organizations and other community-based organizations that provide Paralympic sports programming or opportunities to Veterans with physical and visual disabilities.

Research shows that daily physical activity enhances not only an individual's self esteem and peer relationships, it also results in increased achievement, better overall health and higher quality of life.

The request for proposal details can be found online at http://usparalympics.org/community-programs/2011-olympic-opportunity-fund

The online application is available at http://bit.ly/lohm4G .

All completed applications are due by 5 p.m. Mountain Time, Friday, May 27, 2011.