Dear Friends of the Sports Association,

 

Spring has sprung and we are looking forward to upcoming special events and outdoor clinics. Our Adaptive Rock Climbing Clinic is back and with a new location at Central Rock Gym in Glastonbury on April 30! We also have a special yoga program sponsored by the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation called Seated Therapeutic Yoga for Resilience and Vitality on May 4th.

 

We continue to offer our monthly in-person clinics in archery and golf as well as virtual boxing every week through April 27. 

 

Registration is open for the Gaylord Gauntlet 5K Obstacle Mud Run on June 25! Funds raised for this event directly benefit the Gaylord Sports Association programs. Support us by registering as a runner or volunteer! New this year, we are offering an adaptive athlete sponsorship for out of state athletes!  More information in the newsletter below! 

 

Come out and try a program with us! To see all our programs in one place, you can download a copy of our spring calendar here. For any questions or more information, give us a call at 203-284-2772.

 

All the best,

The Gaylord Sports Association

 

Do you know an adaptive athlete who lives out of state and wants to challenge themselves at the Gaylord Gauntlet 5K Trail and Obstacle Run? Gaylord is offering adaptive athlete sponsorships for out of state athletes to cover race fees, lodging and meals for the adaptive athlete and up to 4 support team members. Here is an opportunity to put determination and athleticism to the test! More than 1,000 athletes will 'run the gauntlet' conquering 23 man-made and natural obstacles. To learn more or to apply, click HERE. For additional information about being an adaptive athlete at the Gauntlet or registering for the race, visit www.gaylordgauntlet.org. 

The Gaylord Wolfpack Sled Hockey Team placed third overall in the Northeast Sled Hockey League (NESHL) Atlantic Division!  This is a hard-earned accomplishment and we are proud of each and every player and grateful for our amazing coaches! The team concluded their season at the Amelia Park New England Sled Hockey Tournament April 1-3 in Westfield, MA. This tournament brought together teams from Philadelphia, Buffalo, Boston, Springfield, Vermont and New Hampshire! The Wolfpack welcomed players from CO, MN, PA, and FL to play with the team, including players from the US Women's Development Sled Hockey Team! There was some tough competition, but the positive energy was contagious and it was a great way to end the season!  Check out photos from the event here. 

Brought to you by RxRelax and the National Paralysis Resource Center of the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, this event will describe, demonstrate, and allow participants to use yoga movements, breath-practices and mindfulness techniques to build overall physical, emotional and cognitive resilience in changing and challenging times. This protocol is evidence-based to help reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, insomnia and PTSD.  This event is free and open to all. 

We are gearing up for the 2022 Paratriathlon Training Program which is scheduled to begin in June. We are now accepting applications through May 7th for new and returning athletes. This program is a great opportunity for adaptive athletes to train for and compete in the sport of triathlon! Athletes can choose to compete in all three legs of the race (swim, bike, run) or as part of a relay team. The program culminates with the Madison Triathlon in September. Interested athletes must apply and be selected to participate in the program. Please contact us to learn more and for application materials.

Our Adaptive Rock Climbing Clinic is back and with a new location at Central Rock Gym in Glastonbury! This is a great opportunity to try indoor rock climbing alongside professional and experienced climbers. Individualized instruction will be provided to introduce adaptive equipment, teach specialized climbing techniques and to support your independence. Standard and adaptive equipment are provided  and no experience is necessary!

Join the Sports Association for a kayak class in preparation for the summer kayak season! This Adaptive Kayak Class provides the opportunity to learn or re-learn kayaking.  Certified kayak instructors teach the basics of paddle strokes, kayak equipment, safety and how to adapt or modify for individual needs. Once a participant completes the class, they will be eligible to participate in open water paddles during the summer.

 

 *This class has Essential Eligibility Requirements for participation, including COVID-19 vaccination for participants and instructors. Please contact the Sports Association for details*.

Golf clinics provide the opportunity to work with a trained PGA professional, Certified Recreation Therapists and volunteers to adapt the sport of golf, overcome barriers, and support independence. Clinics will include practice at our outdoor driving range and putting green.  Beginners and returning participants are welcome and all equipment is provided.