The U.S. Paralympics, a division of the U.S. Olympic Committee, has announced that the Boise Parks and Recreation AdVenture program has been selected to receive grant funding in support of Paralympic sport and physical activity programs for disabled Veterans and disabled members of the Armed Forces.

Boise Parks and Recreation received a $23,400 grant to purchase rugby wheelchairs for use in a new wheelchair rugby program offered in the Treasure Valley.

More than $4.4 million in funds from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has been awarded to 95 community organizations around the country.

“Without this funding, we would not be able to offer rugby as the equipment is so expensive. We’re thrilled that we can offer this sport to community members and Veterans with disabilities,” said Emily Kovarik, Adaptive Recreation Coordinator for Boise Parks & Recreation.

Program participant Josiah Sullivan said: “What I like about wheelchair rugby is that I can finally play a sport where I can hit someone again. Before my injury I played contact sports and playing wheelchair rugby is giving me a chance to play a contact sport again.”

Through the USOC program, grants ranging from $2,500 to $500,000 have been provided to partner organizations and community programs 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.

Research has shown that regular participation in physical activity has a positive effect on the rehabilitation process, self-esteem, education, employment and overall health.

The AdVenture program will host a free wheelchair rugby demo day from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 12, at Fort Boise Community Center, 700 Robbins Road. For information about the demo day and a wheelchair rugby drop-in program, call 608-7680.