The Hartford Nationals brings 400 adaptive athletes to Grand Rapids July 10-16

What’s happening: The Hartford Nationals conducted by Move United, the nation’s largest and longest-running sport championship for athletes with a physical disability, visual impairment or intellectual disability, returns to Grand Rapids July 10-16. The event is hosted by the West Michigan Sports Commission and Move United member organization Mary Free Bed Wheelchair and Adaptive Sports.

How it works: Athletes qualify through one of more than 35 sanctioned competitions held across the country through the Move United member network, a national governing body, or a sanctioned high school athletic association event. The qualification process creates a pathway from local competition to a national championship and, for some, future Paralympic competition.

Who’s participating: This year’s event will welcome 424 athletes and 146 coaches from 38 states and the District of Columbia, including a record 35 athletes from Michigan, up from 30 in 2025. Sports include archery, boccia, para powerlifting, paratriathlon and aquathlon, shooting, swimming, track and field, and wheelchair and para standing tennis.

What they’re saying: “What I love about this competition is that it is the origin story for so many Team USA Paralympians,” says Move United CEO Glenn Merry. “When the world stage returns to Los Angeles in just two years, we will trace their competitive transformation to The Hartford Nationals.”

Who’s stepping up: The local organizing committee is led by the West Michigan Sports Commission, which was selected through a nationwide bid process to host the event in 2025 and 2026, in partnership with Mary Free Bed Wheelchair and Adaptive Sports. Competition venues include Calvin University’s Gainey Athletic Facility (track and field and welcome ceremony), Calvin University’s Venema Aquatic Center (swimming), Mary Free Bed YMCA (archery and para powerlifting), Millennium Park (paratriathlon), MSA Fieldhouse (boccia and shooting), MVP Athletic Club (tennis), and the Grand Rapids Public Museum (closing celebration). Athletes and their families will stay at hotels throughout the region, with the event expected to generate more than $2 million in direct visitor spending.

What’s the message: “The West Michigan Sports Commission is honored to again host The Hartford Nationals in Grand Rapids with Mary Free Bed Wheelchair and Adaptive Sports, and we look forward to building on the positive momentum of a successful 2025 event,” West Michigan Sports Commission President Mike Guswiler says. “We encourage even greater participation from the West Michigan community – whether volunteering or spectating, events are free and open to the public. We hope to welcome even more athletes from across the country.”

What’s next: During the event, The Hartford, joined by Paralympic gold medalist and wheelchair basketball player Matt Scott, will surprise six athletes with custom-fit adaptive sports equipment, helping reduce one of the biggest barriers to participation in adaptive sports. In addition, one athlete nominated by their peers will receive The Hartford’s Human Achievement Award, which recognizes someone who exemplifies the adaptive sports movement and serves as a role model. The award includes a $2,500 grant to support the recipient’s training and travel.

Why it’s important: “The Hartford Nationals is a powerful example of what is possible when adaptive athletes have greater access to sport,” says Claire Burns, chief marketing and customer officer at The Hartford. “Through our long-standing partnership with Move United, we’re helping make adaptive equipment and competitive opportunities more accessible. We’re proud to support an event that not only showcases elite talent but also helps build a more inclusive future for adaptive sports.”

Photos courtesy of Move United