SPIRE IA (Institute and Academy) has received a grant from the Veterans Administration to support its Veterans Sports and Fitness Training Program, according to a news release.
The $36,900 grant will be used to purchase special adaptive training equipment, including competition bikes, for the Veterans Sports and Fitness Training program, which encompasses general fitness and sport-specific training for both wheelchair and ambulatory competition, nutrition, camaraderie, and support.
“The need for adaptive sports programming in this area is significant, and SPIRE has made a commitment to provide a program that our veterans are motivated to attend. SPIRE continues to expand and better equip the program, and I commend them for that. Our veterans are extremely grateful for the opportunity to work out at SPIRE, and for all the organization has made available to them.”
— Patty Whitecotton who works in Physical and Medical Rehabilitation Services at the Northeast Ohio VA
Train for Exercise and Competition
After an introductory phase, participants move into competitive training in powerlifting, track and field, swimming, recumbent cycling, triathlon, and more. Many in SPIRE’s program work out not only for overall health and wellness, but also to train for high-profile adaptive sports competitions like the Valor Games, Buckeye Games, Golden Age Games, and the National Veterans Wheelchair Games.
Due to the number of participating veterans and their different levels of mobility and endurance, the program’s “boots on the ground” team included several coaches and exercise physiologists, the release continues.
Veterans who participate in the program focus on proper technique, program design, and cardiovascular training at SPIRE’s fitness center. Veterans also participate in two types of group exercise classes designed to promote fitness for life, ending the day’s training by eating a healthy, post-workout meal together.
“SPIRE Institute was founded to unlock the full potential of the human spirit through athletics, academics and service. SPIRE respects and honors the principles that built our nation and is committed to offering those who have served our country a program that honors and supports their minds, bodies, and spirits.”
— Keith Webb, Director of SPIRE FIT
[Source(s): SPIRE IA, PRWeb]
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