The goal of the Veterans Adaptive Sports and Training (VAST) program is to promote lifelong health and well-being of veterans with disabilities through regular participation in a VAST array of physical activities and sports. Any and all veterans are encouraged to volunteer and enjoy some outdoor activities and a sense of camaraderie with fellow veterans.
Located on the beautiful Pineland Farms in New Gloucester, VAST strives to offer year-round activities based on the needs and wants of veterans. Programs are free and equipment is provided.
Current sports include:
- Archery
- Cycling (hand and recumbent)
- Nordic Pole Walking
- Orienteering
- Cross-country Skiing
- Snow Shoeing
Learn a new activity or practice your skills with Army Veteran, Occupational Therapist, and two-time Olympic Biathlete, Kristina Sabasteanski.
Research shows that daily physical activity for people with disabilities results in reduced stress, depression and secondary medical conditions and increases self-esteem, education success, employment rates and quality of life.
U.S. Paralympics is partnering with community organizations across the country, such as the VAST program at Pineland Farms, to create a network of Paralympic Sports Clubs. Paralympic Sports Clubs are community-based programs developed to involve people with physical and visual disabilities in sports and physical activity, regardless of skill level. With 21 million physically disabled Americans, including thousands of military personnel who’ve sustained serious injuries while on active duty, this is an important community need.
Visit the VAST program website…
Grant funding for this program is awarded by U.S. Paralympics, a division of the U.S. Olympic Committee, through funding provided by Veterans Affairs. The grants are provided to facilitate the growth of Paralympic-sport.