Veterans Adaptive Sports & Training Program Receives Donation

PORTLAND, Maine – Maine veterans will now have additional access to alternative rehabilitation thanks to a recent donation from the Portland Rotary Club. Local veteran program, Veterans Adaptive Sports & Training (VAST), was awarded three archery bows, which will help support physical activity for disabled veterans.

VAST, a non-profit program of Pineland Farms in New Gloucester, aims to promote lifelong health and well-being of veterans through regular participation in an array of activities and sports. Research shows that daily physical activity for people with disabilities results in reduced stress, depression and secondary medical conditions. VAST strives to offer year-round recreation based on the needs and wants of veterans, where all programs are free of charge and equipment is provided.

Contributions generated from Rotary’s 3rd Annual Veterans’ Appreciation Luncheon held this past Veterans Day helped to purchase the bows for the VAST target archery program. The annual event generated the highest amount of donations to date, and grew significantly from the 2016 Luncheon, with more than 175 veterans and 285 total attendees.

“On behalf of all Rotarians, veteran and non-veterans alike, we honor those who have served in America's military forces from World War II to the conflicts of the 21st century,” said Don Zillman, President of the Portland Rotary Club. “They continue the great tradition of soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines, and coast guardsmen and women, who have exemplified the Rotary Club motto of "Service above Self" and have made the world a better place,”

As part of the 2016 Appreciation Luncheon program, the Portland Rotary Club presented VAST with a specially designed bicycle for their rehabilitation programs.

About VAST
VAST is a 501(c)(3) non-profit program of Pineland Farms, Inc. We strive to offer year-round activities based on the needs and wants of veterans. Programs are free and equipment is provided. The VAST Program is funded in part by a recent grant from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. You can help honor the service and sacrifice of our Veterans participating in the VAST program by making a donation.

About Rotary International
Rotary is an organization of business and professional leaders united worldwide who provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the world. In more than 160 countries worldwide, approximately 1.2 million Rotarians belong to more than 30,000 Rotary clubs.

The main objective of Rotary is service — in the community, in the workplace, and throughout the world. Rotarians develop community service projects that address many of today's most critical issues, such as children at risk, poverty and hunger, the environment, illiteracy, and violence. They also support programs for youth, educational opportunities and international exchanges for students, teachers, and other professionals, and vocational and career development. The Rotary motto is Service Above Self.