National Sports Center for the Disabled secures $100,000 in grants
National Sports Center for the Disabled/Courtesy photo
The National Sports Center for the Disabled is celebrating receiving $100,000 in grants to support its programs. This organization offers adaptive outdoor recreation throughout Colorado for participants of all ages and abilities — from horseback riding in Granby to skiing at Winter Park Resort.
The nonprofit organization, which has a home base in Winter Park, received a $75,000 grant from the Daniels Fund and a $25,000 grant from the VF Foundation.
“These grants help keep costs low and allows our recreational participants to participate in year-round programming and elite athletes to receive world-class training,” stated Julie Taulman, the organization’s president and CEO, in a news release.
The release states that the Daniels Fund grant will support the sport center’s “emerging and elite para-alpine athletes” to reach their goals of representing the U.S. at the upcoming 2026 Winter Paralympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy.
“Each year we train (over) 70 athletes from around the world in our Competition Center,” Taulman stated. “The athletes come and stay in Winter Park for the full season or part-time while they are training.”
According to the release, athletes benefit from the grants because it allows the sports center to keep costs at a maximum of $5,500 for full-time seasonal training.
“Ski racing is expensive for athletes, as costs for racing, travel, and equipment can range from $10,000-$15,000 per year, and that does not include lodging. Money from these grants will support coaching and travel fees,” the release states.
Additionally, the VF Foundation’s $25,000 grant will help fund the sports center’s Denver Public Schools K-12 programs. Students can enjoy activities like biking, archery and more.
Upcoming events and programs
Community members can support the sports center at an upcoming fall fundraiser, the Rocky Mountain Wine Fest on Sept. 20. The fundraiser, held at Winter Park Resort, will feature a trailside wine festival with unlimited wine samples, live music and more.
The sports center also a variety of fall programs slated for people ages 18 and over with a disability. There is a spinal cord injury mountain bike camp from Sept. 11-13 at Winter Park Resort. A Women’s Weekend Camp is also scheduled at Snow Mountain Ranch YMCA from Sept. 18-20.
The Daniels Fund Grants Program states it focuses on supporting highly effective nonprofit organizations that achieve significant results within Colorado’s four-state region, as well as select programs with national impact. The VF Foundation is the private grant-making organization funded by VF Corporation, an outdoor apparel company. The VF Corporation states that it invests in communities around the globe, funding organizations and causes that help create a more active, inclusive and sustainable future.
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