VA Central California Health Care System

VACCHCS and BTB are committed to Veterans Adaptive Sports Training!

On March 6, 2015, VA Central California Health Care System (VACCHCS) and Break the Barriers (BTB) signed a Memorandum of Understanding which established a framework allowing BTB to implement their fitness/wellness and Adapted Sports Program for Veterans enrolled in healthcare at VACCHCS. BTB is a designated center for VACCHCS Adaptive Sports training and a designated U.S. Paralympic Training Facility.

This agreement promotes a seamless referral process between VACCHCS and BTB.  Membership is voluntary and no-charge for disabled Veterans enrolled for healthcare at the Fresno VA Medical Center and Community Based Outpatient Clinics. Each participant is given an orientation and assessment to determine an individualized fitness/wellness and/or adapted sports program.

Since 1984, BTB’s non-profit international Ability Center has provided and promoted ability awareness, outreach and education through exceptional programs. The 39,000 square foot training site is located at 8555 N. Cedar Avenue, Fresno, California. The facility offers a pool, weight room, theatre, dance studio, martial arts studio, sign-language, literacy and music room, as well as, a gymnasium complete with archery, air-rifle, ping pong and basketball.

VACCHCS and BTB are committed to matching Veteran participants with appropriate training venues and classes with the ultimate goal of making them successful in VA Adaptive Sports National Events such as the Golden Age Games, U.S. Paralympics, Valor Games, Wheelchair Games, Winter Sports Clinic, Wounded Warrior Events and VA Summer Sports Clinic. 

Veterans interested in joining the program may contact VACCHCS Recreational Therapy Program Coordinators at (559) 225-6100 EXT. 5818.