West Michigan city to host The Hartford Nationals

Sports

Aug 13

After a nationwide bid process, Move United, the national leader in community-based sports and recreation for individuals with disabilities, has selected Grand Rapids as the host site for The Hartford Nationals in 2025 and 2026. The Hartford Nationals is the largest and longest-running national sport championship event for athletes with a physical disability, visual impairment, or intellectual disability.

The 2025 event, scheduled for July 11-17, marks the 68th year of competition and will be hosted locally by the West Michigan Sports Commission (WMSC). Athletes must qualify to compete through one of more than 30 local or regional Move United Sanctioned Competitions, a National Governing Body or High School Athletic Association sanctioned event, or other held across the country event approved by Move United.

“We chose Grand Rapids based on the reputation and experience of the West Michigan Sports Commission and the fact that we have a strong member organization, Mary Free Bed Wheelchair and Adaptive Sports, located there,” said Glenn Merry, Executive Director, Move United. The event has only been held in Michigan one other time, in Saginaw in 2011, so this will be the first time the event has been held in the western part of the state.

The local organizing committee will be spearheaded by the WMSC.

"We are excited to host The Hartford Nationals and its athletes in 2025 and 2026 in Grand Rapids, a city that has made great strides in promoting accessibility for all," said Mike Guswiler, President, West Michigan Sports Commission who bid on, won and is hosting the event. “Home to programs like Mary Free Bed Wheelchair and Adaptive Sports and facilities like Special Olympics Michigan, Grand Rapids is committed to meeting the needs of athletes with disabilities like those competing in The Hartford Nationals."

Approximately 400 athletes with disabilities and over 150 coaches from 34 states and the District of Columbia participated in the 2024 event, and those numbers are expected to increase next year. The weeklong event includes competitions, clinics, education, and social opportunities. The sports that will be contested include archery, para powerlifting, para-triathlon, shooting, swimming, track and field, and wheelchair tennis.

For more information about The Hartford Nationals, visit TheHartfordNationals.org.