Every year, access to sport begins with one moment: the opportunity to move. 

In 2026, that moment happened 4,033 times. 

Through this year’s grant distribution, more than $7 million in funding supported athletes with physical disabilities across all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and 36 countries. Each grant represents access to something essential—equipment, training, coaching, or competition—removing barriers that can otherwise make sport out of reach. 

This is what happens when movement becomes possible. 

What the 2026 Grant Distribution Made Possible 

The scale of this year’s distribution reflects both need and impact: 

• 4,033 grants awarded  

• $7M+ in total support  

• Athletes reached across 50 states, Puerto Rico, and 36 countries  

• Nearly one in four recipients received a grant for the first time  

For many athletes, these grants are not one-time support. They are entry points into long-term participation—creating pathways to stay active, connected, and engaged in sport. 

Access is the difference. 

Where the Need Is Greatest 

The cost of participation remains one of the biggest barriers in adaptive sports. 

Adaptive sports equipment—such as sport chairs, handcycles, and sports prostheses—can cost thousands of dollars. Travel, coaching, and training add additional financial pressure, especially for families already navigating medical expenses. 

• Many supported athletes come from households earning under $50,000 per year  

• Grants often cover essential equipment, training, and competition costs  

• Year-round support helps athletes continue progressing, not just start  

Without support, participation is often limited. With it, athletes can fully engage. 

What This Looks Like for Athletes 

Behind every number is an athlete moving forward. 

Amy lives with Multiple Sclerosis and competes in Spartan and DEKA races, continuing to push her limits through endurance sport. With the right equipment, she is able to conserve energy, take on longer races, and stay focused on the obstacles that define the sport. Access allows her to keep progressing and working toward goals like earning multiple Spartan Trifectas. 

At just eight years old, Shine is already active across multiple sports, from running and triathlon to swimming and adaptive skiing. As he continues to grow, his equipment needs to keep up with his energy and ambition. Support ensures he can stay active, keep participating, and continue building confidence through sport. 

Andrew found his way back to sport through adaptive surfing after a spinal cord injury. What started as a way to reconnect with movement has become a consistent part of his life. Now surfing multiple times each week and competing at a high level, he continues to build community and mentor others through the sport. 

These experiences vary, but the outcome is consistent: access creates opportunity. 

What Access to Sport Creates 

The impact of a grant extends far beyond equipment. 

Athletes describe the same outcomes again and again: 

• Increased independence  

• Stronger physical and mental health  

• A sense of belonging and community  

• Confidence that carries into everyday life  

For youth athletes, it can be the first time they feel part of a team. 

For adults, it can be a return to identity after injury or illness. 

For others, it’s the ability to keep progressing toward competitive goals. 

From First Grant to the Highest Levels of Sport 

Access to sport supports participation at every level. 

Many athletes begin with their first grant and continue developing over time—training, competing, and setting new goals. Some go on to compete nationally and internationally. 

More than two-thirds of athletes competing at the 2026 Winter Paralympic Games received support from a grant at some point in their journey. 

This reflects a full pathway: 

• Entry into sport  

• Continued access to training and equipment  

• Progression into higher levels of competition  

Each stage depends on access. 

Explore the Full 2026 Grant Impact 

The full scope of this year’s grant distribution—including athlete stories, program data, and regional impact—is available in the 2026 Grant Distribution Brochure. 

>>View the 2026 Grant Distribution Brochure<<