34 - Hartford Nationals Bring the Nation’s Largest Adaptive Sports Competition Back to Grand Rapids34 - Hartford Nationals Bring the Nation’s Largest Adaptive Sports Competition Back to Grand Rapids
Rehabilitationships
Leaders from Move United, the West Michigan Sports Commission and Mary Free Bed talk about The Hartford Nationals, a major adaptive sports event in Grand Rapids. They share how it boosts athletes, sparks new programmes, strengthens community ties and offers ways for people to get involved as spectators or volunteers.
13:12•9 Jul 2026
Hartford Nationals: Adaptive Sport, Community and Future Paralympians in Grand Rapids
Episode Overview
- The Hartford Nationals brings 424 qualifying adaptive athletes and 156 coaches from 38 states to compete in a wide range of sports.
- Move United’s network and events, including The Hartford Nationals, act as a stepping stone for many future Team USA Paralympians.
- Hosting the competition generates an estimated $2 million economic impact for Grand Rapids and showcases major local venues.
- Mary Free Bed has launched new adaptive track and field and para swim programmes as a direct result of the event coming to the area.
- Adaptive sports are described as going far beyond competition, building physical health, confidence, independence, leadership and social connection.
“"The common person may think that, you know, these sports are just about competition, but it's so much more than that."”
Experience the emotional and inspiring tales of recovery as Rehabilitationships turns the spotlight on sport, community and possibility at The Hartford Nationals in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Across one packed week in July, 424 athletes and 156 coaches from 38 states gather for what Glenn from Move United calls "one of the coolest multi-sport events in the country for people with disabilities".
Think of it as a mini Paralympics, with track and field, swimming, shooting, archery, powerlifting, tennis, boccia and triathlon all on show – and every athlete having qualified through sanctioned events around the US. Glenn explains how this long-running competition feeds directly into elite sport, with many Team USA Paralympians starting out at Move United events such as this.
But the heart of the conversation is community: athletes who may be the only disabled sportsperson in their school arrive in Grand Rapids and suddenly become "one of many", forming friendships they might only get to renew once a year.
Katie from the West Michigan Sports Commission brings in the local angle, talking about the event’s estimated $2 million economic impact and the joy of welcoming athletes back to top venues like Calvin University, Millennium Park and the Mary Free Bed YMCA. She also shares how people across Michigan message her because they’re thrilled to represent Team Michigan for the first time.
Kyle from Mary Free Bed Wheelchair & Adaptive Sports highlights how hosting the Nationals has sparked new adaptive track, field and para swim programmes, with strong numbers and fresh energy. As he puts it, "the common person may think that these sports are just about competition, but it's so much more than that" – from confidence and independence to leadership and social connection.
Whether you’re curious about adaptive sport, looking for community, or wondering how to support future Paralympians, this conversation might leave you asking: how could you get closer to events like this in your own backyard?
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