Dear Friends of the Sports Association,

 

Welcome to spring!  We have been busy planning our upcoming programs and the spring calendar is now available HERE! 

 

Our Adaptive Cycle Clinic is returning and will be held on May 20th at Southern Connecticut State University. The popular Veterans Fishing Tournament will be held on Tuesday, May 9, 2023 at Candlewood Lake and registration is now open. Our indoor clinics in Archery and Golf continue to run regularly and will be moving outside in May. We are bringing back our outdoor kayak outings this summer, so if you haven't joined us for an indoor kayak class, now is the time! We still have a couple of virtual fitness classes in yoga and boxing, and you can join from the comfort of home!  The Gaylord Wolfpack Sled Hockey Team and the Gaylord Jammers have been busy travelling and competing - check out the updates in the newsletter!  There are so many opportunities to get involved! We hope to see you all soon!  

 

Yours in Sport,

The Gaylord Sports Association

We would like to thank New Horizons Village in Unionville, the Town of Farmington, and the Pickleball volunteers from the Farmington Senior Center and our Gaylord Pickleball volunteers for a fun and successful introductory clinic.  This clinic allowed residents of New Horizons Village and community members to learn and play the game of pickleball. Check out a video from the clinic HERE. We are looking forward to our upcoming pickleball program beginning in May!  

We had another successful Adaptive Rock Climbing Clinic at Central Rock Gym in Glastonbury! Nineteen adaptive climbers joined us to take on new heights, along with our amazing crew of 35 volunteers! There were many great moments from the clinic – people challenging themselves both physically and mentally, smiles of success after making it to the top of the climb and all participants having FUN!  Thank you to Central Rock Gym, Nate McKenzie of Ascent Climbing / Paradox Sports and Move United Warfighters for their support of this program! If you missed the clinic and want to try climbing, contact us at sports@gaylord.org for a list of adaptive climbing programs in CT. 

The Gaylord Gauntlet has always supported athletes of all abilities and for the second year, we are offering two sponsorships to help support athletes from outside of CT. This sponsorship is for athletes who are able to organize their own support team and have access to any equipment that is needed to compete in the race. The chosen athlete and team will be responsible for all aspects of competing on the course including equipment needed and teammates who can provide assistance if needed. Eligible applicants must be over 16, have a permanent physical disability, and live outside of Connecticut. Sponsorships will cover entry fees, lodging, and race-day food for the athlete and up to four supporting team members. If you are interested, or you know someone who may be interested to apply, please visit the link below for more information and the link to apply. 

The Gaylord Sports Association, Bike-On and Ti-Trikes are teaming up to bring back our annual Adaptive Cycle Clinic! This clinic will provide an opportunity for individuals with a physical disability to learn about and try adaptive cycling. There will be dozens of adaptive cycles to explore including foot-pedaled trikes and hand cycles. Participants will be able to work with adaptive cycle experts and be fit to a cycle that works with their ability level. The event will be held at the Moore Field House and participants will be able to test ride cycles on the indoor track.

Adaptive Kayak Classes provides the opportunity to learn or re-learn kayaking in the comfort of our indoor therapy pool. 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. Please contact the Sports Association for details*.