THE HARTFORD Nationals
Champions compete here.
July 11-17, 2025
Grand Rapids to Host THE HARTFORD Nationals in 2025 and 2026
Move United has selected Grand Rapids, Michigan, as the host site for THE HARTFORD Nationals in 2025 and 2026.
The 2025 event, scheduled for July 11–17, marks the 68th year of competition for the largest and longest-running national sport championship event for athletes with a physical disability, visual impairment or intellectual disability. It will be the second time Michigan has hosted the event, with the first coming in Saginaw in 2011.
Move United, the national leader in community-based sports and recreation for individuals with disabilities, will be in Grand Rapids, Michigan for the 2025 THE HARTFORD Nationals. The event will include adults as well as youth athletes with a physical, visual, and/or intellectual disability.
“We are excited to host the 2025 and 2026 Hartford Nationals and its athletes in Grand Rapids, a city that has made great strides in promoting accessibility for all,” said Mike Guswiler, president of the West Michigan Sports Commission, which will host the event.
Athlete Eligibility, Classification & Rules
Learn about who is eligible to participate, sport rules, and qualifying standards.
Host City & Hotels
Learn about local hotels and the great city of Grand Rapids!
Schedule, Venues, and General Information
Check out the schedule for the week , the event venues, and other general information about the event.
Athlete, Coach, and Guide Registration
Register for Nationals and sign up for national classification opportunities.
Military Athlete Benefits at The Hartford Nationals
All Military Athletes receive FREE registration to Nationals!
Sponsor Info
Partners make this event possible. Learn about the range of sponsorship opportunities here
Host The Hartford Nationals
Learn about how your city can host a future The Hartford Nationals.
Athlete Results and Awards
Athlete results are posted here as well as information on awards given out at Nationals.
FAQs
How do I qualify and become eligible for The Hartford Nationals?
General eligibility requirements can be found online.
How do I book my hotel room?
Please find hotel information on the Hotels & Host City page.
Will any meals be available during the event?
A meal plan will be published with the launch of registration on May 1, 2024.
Can I extend my hotel stay before and/or after the event starts and ends
Yes. Most hotels will offer a +/- rate of two days before the event starts and ends.
How much does it cost to participate in The Hartford Nationals?
Please visit the “registration” page.
I have a visual impairment. Can you provide me with a guide? If I bring my own, will they need to register and/or pay?
You must provide your own guide and guide vest. The guide should register under the Coach registration link and sign the waiver and code of conduct. The guide’s registration fee will be waived. If you cannot find a guide, please inform Jessie Cloy (jcloy@moveunitedsport.org) by the close of registration. The local organizing committee will do its best to assist you.
Do I need to be a member of a team to register?
No. Although around twenty teams of various sizes attend Nationals, over two dozen independents are typically represented as well. We suggest independent athletes join forces with other independents as well as buddy up with the teams. Don’t be shy and ask if help is needed!
Do I need a coach?
A coach is highly suggested. Registered coaches will have access to nightly coaches’ meetings to obtain information as well as event specific heat sheets. Your parent may register as a coach to gain access to these meetings.
Do I need an appointment for classification?
If you have a physical impairment and you have not yet been nationally classified or you need to be seen again in classification, then you MUST make an appointment. Athletes with a visual impairment or intellectual impairment must be classified prior to attending Nationals. For more information scroll to the bottom of the Eligibility page.
Do I need to bring my own equipment?
On most occasions, yes. Please note the sport specific needs:
- Archery: Bring all necessary equipment.
- Field: Please bring needed throwing chairs. Throwing implements are provided at the event. If you choose to use your own implements, they must be approved through weights and measures prior to the event during times marked “implement check in” on the schedule. Once the implements are weighed/measured, they will be impounded, and athletes should pick them up after the event at the implement check in area. Any personal implements used will also be available to others in your field pit.
- Paratriathlon: All athletes must bring their own equipment. This includes bicycles, racing wheelchairs, and helmets.
- Powerlifting: Please ensure your competition gears meets the sport-specific requirements.
- Shooting: Athletes are encouraged to bring their personal air rifles. A limited number of air rifles will be available to loan out for the competition.
- Swimming: Bring all necessary equipment to include suit, cap and goggles.
- Track: Bring all necessary equipment to include a helmet, racing chair, track spikes, and/or guide runner vest. All spikes must be pyramids and not exceed ¼” (7mm). High jumpers and javelin throwers may use 3/8” (9mm) spikes. No Christmas tree or Need styled spikes will be allowed. Starting blocks will be provided.
- General: Sunscreen, shade tents, and chairs advised for outdoor venues. A water bottle and athletic clothing advised.
Will equipment storage be available onsite?
Yes, equipment storage is available for track and field. Anything stored onsite is stored at your own risk.
Will there be medical support onsite?
Medical staff, emergency services, and/or first aid will be available at the venues during all scheduled hours of competition. Additionally, the nearest medical facility to the host hotel and competition venues will be identified.
How do I obtain heat sheets?
Heat sheets will be given out at the coaches’ meetings to those with a coach credential. The heat sheets will provide starting times, order of heats, and listing of all athletes within each heat.
When and where are results posted?
Results will be posted as soon as possible at each sport venue and at the host hotel as well as on the Move United website.
Where do I get updates and announcements?
Updates and announcements will be provided via a free event app available to all participants.
Updates, images and other content will also be provided during the event via social media. Please follow us on social media and share with your friends!
Facebook – @MoveUnitedSports
Twitter – @MoveUnitedSport
Instagram – @MoveUnitedSport
YouTube – @MoveUnited
LinkedIn – @MoveUnited
How can I donate to The Hartford Nationals?
Every donation counts!
Would you like to support The Hartford Nationals with an individual gift of any size? Please make a secure online tax deductible donation here:
Is there an emergency plan?
An emergency plan will be circulated via email to each registrant one week prior, on the free event app and discussed at the orientations and coaches meetings.
What happens in the case of inclement weather?
Weather announcements will be posted on the event app. If severe weather happens during a competition, an announcement will be made and the emergency plan will be followed.
Contacts
Local Sponsorship Info
Barb Benda, West Michigan Sports Commission
bbenda@westmisports.com
Eligibility, Sports-Specific Info, and Registration
Jessie Cloy, Competition Manager
240-268-5380, jcloy@moveunitedsport.org
National Sponsorship Info
Dave Simonson, Development Director
301-217-9837, dsimonson@moveunitedsport.org
Media Relations
Shuan Butcher, Communications Manager
240-268-2180, sbutcher@moveunitedsport.org
Volunteer Oversight
Katy Tigchelaar, West Michigan Sports Commission
ktigchelaar@westmisports.com