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REPUBLICAN PRESS RELEASE

March 8, 2007

Buyer announces bill to expand VA’s disabled veterans’ sports programs in cooperation with the U.S. Olympic Committee

Washington, D.C. — House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Ranking Member Steve Buyer (R-Ind.) today announced a bill that would expand the scope of the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) disabled veterans’ sports programs in cooperation with the U.S. Olympic Committee and U.S. Paralympics.

“Today, I have introduced H.R. 1370 to build on VA’s Special Events Program that includes the National Veterans Wheelchair Games and the Winter Sports Clinic. VA cosponsors these two events with the Paralyzed Veterans of America and the Disabled American Veterans. They are wonderful examples of how sports contribute to the lives of disabled veterans,” Buyer said while meeting with officials from the U.S. Paralympics.

“This bill directs VA to expand the scope of their current agreement with the USOC and provides funding to offset some of the costs associated with disabled veteran participation in sporting events sponsored by the USOC and U.S. Paralympics,” Buyer said.

“Disabled veterans deserve the greatest opportunity to participate in sports as part of their rehabilitation. Those who are able should have the ability to compete at the highest levels in disabled sports and that means the Paralympics. I look forward to the day when disabled veterans make up a significant percentage of the U.S. Paralympic Team and bring home the gold to America,” Buyer said.

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Larry Scott

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