SUDS

Ocean Athlete is very proud to support SUDS (Soldiers Undertaking Disabled Scuba) at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. and the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md. SUDS is a breakthrough program that uses diving to improve the lives of injured veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.

For wounded and disabled soldiers, a challenging and rewarding activity like diving can help facilitate the rehabilitation process and promote mobility. Diving is also a sport they can enjoy throughout their life.

SUDS, a non-profit chapter of the Wounded Warrior/Disabled Sports Project, is run by president John W. Thompson and training director Larry Hammonds. Each hold dive instructor ratings with SDI, NAUI, HSA, PADI, and together have more than 40 combined years of teaching experience.

SUDS offers scuba certification programs through SDI. The majority of the participants are service members that have received severe injuries. Those who are not able to perform a skill to SDI open water standards are offered the chance to earn their scuba certification with a Scubility™ certified scuba instructor.

Ocean Athlete has designed special edition SUDS tee shirts and hats to raise donations for the program. Five dollars from the purchase of each SUDS item will go directly to the program.

For more information, visit www.sudsdiving.org.