The Miami-Dade Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department’s Disability Services Division now is offering free aquatic exercise classes for disabled and older veterans at select Miami-Dade pools.
The classes are being held weekdays, 9-10 a.m., now through Dec. 20. Pre-registration is not required.
Area participating pools include: A.D. Barnes Pool, 3701 SW 72 Ave., 305-665-1626, and West Perrine Pool, 17121 SW 104 Ave., 305-969-3886.
For questions, contact Nicole Sugarman at 305-665-1626 or at Nicole.Sugarman@miamidade.gov.
Funding for the program is made possible through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) under the Grants for Adaptive Sports Programs for Veterans and Service Members with disabilities as part of the Parks Division’s VICTOR (Veterans Integrated into the Community Through Outdoor Recreation) Program. The goal of the grants programs is to increase opportunities for veterans and service members who have disabilities and are aging to access and engage in activities aimed at improving physical fitness and wellbeing.
The Arthritis Foundation recommends aquatic exercise as one of the most beneficial forms of exercise for individuals with disabilities as well as older adults. Benefits noted are improved circulation, range of motion, and flexibility and balance, and less stress on bones and joints, due to the body’s buoyancy in water.
Miami-Dade Parks Disability Services also offers adaptive sports clinics in archery, boccia, fishing, handcycling, trap shooting, waterskiing, wheelchair basketball, camping, sailing, snorkeling and water exercise. Upon completion of the sports clinics, participants will have the opportunity to continue in the activities free of charge (excludes trap shooting).
For information, contact Jody Cox at 305-234-1673 or at Jody.Cox@miamidade.gov.
Have they forgotten about the Veterans who reside in the Northern sections of Miami-Dade County?.