Vets sweat to get disabled vets equipment

Chicago-area military veterans say they joined "Sweat For A Vet" Saturday to raise money for special exercise equipment for disabled veterans. The Gottlieb Center for Fitness hosted Sweat For A Vet, a 3-hour exercise event -- along with several other fitness centers across the United States -- raised money for adaptive exercise equipment and vocational training for veterans in need at Project VisAbility. Ursula Dams, assistant director at the Gottlieb Center for Fitness, said Project VisAbility aims to make fitness environments not just accessible but truly inclusive so those with physical challenges can also lead and inspire. For a minimum donation of $25, the Sweat For A Vet participants chose from a variety of exercise formats taught in 20 minute segments. "You do not have to be a club member and you can exercise at your own pace and comfort level," Dams said in a statement. "Supporters choose to just offer a donation or purchase a commemorative T-shirt as a way of offering much-needed help for veterans." This is the first year Gottlieb participated in the national event. Larry Greene, formerly of the 8th Aviation Battalion, now living in Melrose Park, Ill., is a member of the Gottlieb Center for Fitness and veteran who is contributing to the event. "I am proud to be a vet and I am very proud that Gottlieb is helping veterans," he said.