#dsusa

The WellPoint Foundation congratulates Kirk Bauer on receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award from the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition (PCFSN). Bauer is the executive director of Disabled Sports USA (DSUSA), an organization that provides opportunities for disabled individuals to take part in athletic activities and sports. From the PCFSN press release:

Kirk M. Bauer, JD- Mr. Bauer is the executive director of Disabled Sports USA (DSUSA) and is widely recognized as a pioneer of adaptive sports in the U.S.  As a disabled Vietnam veteran, Mr. Bauer helps provide sports programs that enable individuals with disabilities, including youth and wounded warriors, to lead active lifestyles. In recognition of his involvement in fitness exercise programs, inclusion initiatives, and adaptive instruction for individuals with disabilities, Mr. Bauer served on the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports from 2006 to 2009 and is the recipient of numerous awards for his work and dedication in his field.

WellPoint Foundation is a proud supporter of DSUSA and congratulates Kirk on this tremendous honor!

— Disabled Sports USA (@DisabledSportUS)

June 27, 2013

The WellPoint Foundation has provided a $150,000 grant to Disabled Sports USA to help wounded veterans rebuild their lives through sports.

More than 300 wounded military service members in 11 states will benefit from rehabilitation programs in sports and recreation through a one year, $150,000 grant from the WellPoint Foundation to Disabled Sports USA (DSUSA). The grant will support DSUSA’s military sports rehabilitation program, including the Wounded Warrior Disabled Sports Project (WWDSP), which provides year-round sports programs free of cost to injured service members and their families with individualized adaptive instruction, as well as competitive and recreational events.

Severely wounded participants in DSUSA’s sports rehabilitation programs include service members with single and multiple amputations, spinal cord injury, visual impairment, traumatic brain injury and significant nerve and/or muscle damage. The goal of the grant is to help these wounded service members achieve healthy lifestyles and sustain the activity levels recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“We are very happy to receive this generous grant from the WellPoint Foundation to help our chapters continue their efforts to provide rehabilitation through sports to our injured military,” said Kirk Bauer, executive director of DSUSA and a disabled Vietnam veteran. “Surveys have shown that individuals who participate in our sports and recreation programs are more likely to succeed in securing employment and lead productive and fulfilling lives.”

“When someone becomes disabled, many things in their life change; however, that shouldn’t stop them from enjoying a full and active life that includes sports and other activities,” said Steve Martenet, president and general manager of WellPoint’s Specialty Products, which includes dental, vision, life, disability, workers’ compensation and voluntary products. “We are very committed to helping people with disabilities get back to health, back to work and back to life. And, we believe providing funds to support sports rehabilitation programs such as those offered by DSUSA is the right thing to do to aid those individuals who have given so much to this country.”