Agencies host Veterans Adaptive Activities Day for Chicago Area Veterans with Disabilities

HINES - The Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs (IDVA), Chicago Park District and Hines VA Hospital hosted the fourth annual "Veterans' Adaptive Activities Day" at Hines VA Hospital today, providing Veterans with disabilities the opportunity to sample a wide variety of sports equipment with adaptive fitness specialists from across the region. 

"We are always proud to present this event, which showcases the multitude of sports and activities that are available for veterans with disabilities," IDVA Director Dan Grant said. "We're showing that veterans who were fit and highly active before sustaining debilitating injuries, often in combat, can still be fit, highly active, full participants in sports and other activities that they enjoy."

"The Chicago Park District is committed to providing quality recreational opportunities and resources for all Chicagoans," said Chicago Park District General Superintendent and CEO Timothy J. Mitchell.

"Veterans' Adaptive Activities Day" was held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Hines VA Hospital auditorium, 5000 S. 5th Ave., Hines. The event included adaptive sports demonstrations and activities for Veterans including: wheelchair basketball, seated aerobics, golf, handcycling, table games and other adaptive sports. Refreshments and entertainment were provided for participants.

IDVA Director Grant was joined by Park District and Hines VA officials and organizations across the region that specialize in adaptive sports and support services, including: World Sport Chicago, Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association, Diveheart Military Wounded, and Revelation Golf, among others.