The Hartford Nationals
Champions Compete Here
July 10-16, 2026
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Champions Compete Here
The Hartford Nationals, conducted by Move United, is the largest and longest-running national sport championship for athletes with a physical disability, visual impairment, or intellectual disability. In 2026, the competition enters its 69th year — and it’s bigger than ever with 7 sports on the competitive program and 8 sport clinics and educational opportunities.
Grand Rapids, Michigan is a city committed to accessibility and community. West Michigan Sports Commission and Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital are the local organizations ready to welcome the youth and adult athletes from across the country who will come together to push what’s possible, compete at their highest level, and show the world what adaptive sports are all about.
Whether you’re competing, volunteering, or cheering, The Hartford Nationals is your chance to be part of something bigger. Connect with the Move United community and find your place in adaptive sports.
Athlete, Coach, and Guide Registration
Ready to compete? Register for The Hartford Nationals and sign up for national classification opportunities.
Schedule, Venues, and General Information
Everything you need to know about the week — event schedule, competition venues, and key details to plan your trip.
Athlete Eligibility, Classification & Rules
Find out who can compete, how classification works, sport rules, and qualifying standards all in one place.
Host City & Hotels
Grand Rapids is ready to welcome you. Explore the city, find official hotel options, and start planning your stay.
Grant Opportunities at The Hartford Nationals
Don't let cost be a barrier. Grants are available for youth, adults, and Warfighters to help fund your journey to Grand Rapids.
Volunteer Information
The Hartford Nationals runs thanks to community. Join our volunteer team and play a direct role in making this event extraordinary for every athlete.
Results and Awards
Relive the competition. Find athlete results and information on the awards presented at The Hartford Nationals.
The Hartford Competition Series
Five events. Endless possibilities. Learn how the full The Hartford Competition Series connects athletes to competition, community, and recognition all year long.
Sponsor Information
The Hartford Nationals is possible because of partners who believe in the power of adaptive sports. Explore sponsorship opportunities and join the movement.
Media Center
Covering The Hartford Nationals? Access press resources, previous coverage, and event information for media.
Vendor Information
Be part of the action. Learn how to bring your business or organization to The Hartford Nationals as a vendor.
Host The Hartford Nationals
Interested in bringing the country's premier adaptive sports championship to your city? Learn what it takes to host a future The Hartford 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? And can I extend my hotel stay before and/or after the event starts and ends?
Please find hotel information on the Hotels & Host City page. Most hotels will offer a +/- rate for two days before the event starts and ends.
Do I need to check in onsite before my competition begins?
Yes, all athletes and coaches must check in at the Hilton Garden Inn to confirm their event entries prior to competing. Athletes and coaches that do not check in prior to competition will not be permitted on the field of play or to compete. Please refer to the posted schedule for check in times throughout the week.
Will any meals be available during the event?
A list of food & beverage options onsite will be communicated via a final information packet one week prior to the start of the competition. Lunches on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday are available for purchase during the registration process and food trucks will be onsite at the track & field venue.
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.
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 The Hartford 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.
- Boccia: Bring ramps, if utilized. Competition balls are provided by the event, if needed.
- Field: Bring throwing chairs, if utilized. 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 and Aquathlon: Bring all necessary equipment to include bicycles, racing wheelchairs, and helmets.
- Powerlifting: Ensure your competition gears meets the sport-specific requirements.
- Shooting: Athletes are required to bring their personal air rifles.
- 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. A virtual copy of the heat sheets will be available on the event app for all to download the week of the event. 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 on the event app and the Move United website and when possible, at each sport venue.
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 communicated via email one week prior to the start of competition and posted on the 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