Disabled Sports Usa

Disabled Sports USA (DS/USA), a member of the US Olympic Committee, assists people with disabilites, especially youth with disabilities, overcome some of their greatest challenges brought on by injuries or disease, by training them in a variety of adaptive sports and recreation programs. Founded in 1967, DS/USA offer a nationwide sports education and rehabilitation program to anyone with a permanent disability. It has 90 chapters in 37 states that mainly focus on children below the age of 21 wiht physical, emotional and cognitive disabilities. Over 20 summer and winter sports programs can be adapted to meet the needs of this population. DS/USA's main mission is to provide the opportunity for youth with disabilities to gain confidence and dignity through participation in sports, recreation and related educational programs. Its founder, Kirk M. Bauer, is himself disabled, having lost his leg in Vietnam.