Mid-South Adaptive Sports and Recreation has been named a $5,000 grant recipient of the 2009 Olympic Opportunity Fund, awarded by the U.S. Olympic Committee.

The Olympic Opportunity Grant Program, which started in 2007, provides financial assistance to sport organizations across the United States. This year, the program was open to paralympic sport clubs, like MASR, USOC Paralympic member organizations, as well as veteran and military organizations with primary focus of developing paralympic programs that serve injured military personnel and veterans.

"Mid-South Adaptive Sports and Recreation was founded to provide physically challenged youths, ages 2-21, the opportunity to participate in sports and recreational activities in the same way their able-bodied peers do," said MASR founder Tammy Bolen. "Everyone gains such an amazing amount of confidence and physical fitness through the pursuit of personal success in sports. But challenged athletes, in particular, have an increased need to experience this mental and physical success. They have often been told by doctors, schools and society in general of all that the label of their diagnosis tells them they cannot do. We are here to show them all that they 'can' do."

MASR's current programming includes wheelchair basketball, track and field, swim team, swim lessons, indoor archery, family biking and motor development (ages 2-6). The grant funding will be used to enhance the wheelchair track and field program.

Additionally, a Paralympic Sport Academy is being hosted by MASR in late September or early October. The academy will feature skill development for wheelchair basketball and opportunities to learn more about the sports MASR offers.

"We are proud to invest in the incredible work of Mid-South Adaptive Sports and Recreation," said Charlie Huebner, chief of paralympics, USOC.

A total of 39 grants amounting to more than $500,000 were awarded to paralympic community organizations across the country. MASR was the only recipient program in Tennessee.

MASR is a nonprofit organization founded in 2007 that enables children with physical and visual disability to realize their potential through sport, recreation and lifestyle changes.

MASR begins registration for its fall programming on Sept. 1. Practices will begin Sept. 26. Fall program options include wheelchair basketball, swim team, swim lessons, motor development (for ages 2-6) and family biking.

For more information about MASR or regarding the upcoming Paralympic Sport Academy, visit MASRteam.org or call 309-3400 or 355-6005.

Monica Lewis is with MASR.

MASR athlete Zach Farmer of Cordova practices a shot put field event.