The office of National Veterans Sports Programs and Special Events has recently approved an application for funding under the Grants for Adaptive Sports Program for Disabled Veterans and Disabled Members of the Armed Forces Program in the amount of $50,000 for the local American Samoa National Olympic Committee.

According to ASNOC, the purpose of the grant is to provide funding to plan, develop, manage and implement such programs as well as provide training and technical assistance to program administrators, coaches, recreational therapist, instructors, department employees and other appropriate individuals.

Planning is underway by ASNOC to launch a public awareness campaign by the end of this month to notify the public that this program is available and provide instructions on how disabled veterans can register for participation.

The ASNOC said the categories of eligibility will include:

1) Elite level for those interested in Paralympic Sports training,

2) Competitive level for those interested in Regional and International competitions, and

3) Recreational level for those only interested in local competitions.

Sports for Disabled Vets will include: Archery, Wheelchair Basketball, Boccia, Canoe/Kayak, Cycling, Equestrian, Fencing, Judo, Parathriathlon, Power-lifting, Rowing, Rugby, Sailing, Shooting, Soccer, Swimming, Table Tennis, Wheelchair Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball, Alpine Skiing, Nordic Skiing (Biathlon and Cross Country), Curling, Sled Hockey and Snowboard.

For registration and further information, you can contact the ASNOC Special Projects Office on Tasi Street across from the Lions Park at (684) 699-8855, or you can email them at: spo@asnoc.org for details.

Keep reading Samoa News for the latest news on the ASNOC.