Dear Friends of the Sports Association,

Our winter schedule is about to begin! There are boccia open play nights, golf clinics, archery clinics, and indoor kayak classes! And the ever popular ski trips! Come out and join the fun!

To get involved, contact the Sports Association at 203-284-2772 or visit our website at www.gaylord.org/sports for more information. We hope to see you soon!

-The Sports Association

The Sports Association held its annual CT Classic Wheelchair Rugby Tournament on December 2^nd and 3^rd, 2017 at the Sport and Medical Sciences Academy in Hartford, CT. This four-team round robin tournament brought together teams from across the Northeast including the Sports Association’s Gaylord Jammers, the Magee Eagles of Philadelphia, the New York Warriors and the Western New York Wreckers. Each team played four games over the course of the two-day tournament. Wheelchair Rugby, otherwise known as “Quad Rugby” or “Murderball” is an intense, fast-paced, loud, hard-hitting and highly competitive game. It’s the only full contact wheelchair sport in the world and players use specialized chairs to hit, block and hold opponents.

The Magee Eagles of Philadelphia won the Championship Game over the NY Warriors, 56-32. The Connecticut Jammers and the Western NY Wreckers played hard and came in 3^rd place with the Wreckers ultimately coming out on top by one goal in overtime, 51-50. Great effort and spirited play by all!

Individual and team awards were given including MVP which went to Brett Smith of the Jammers and the Sportsmanship Award was given to Lynn Simoneau of the Jammers. Congratulations!

Click here to view photos from the tournament.

Click here to view news story from Fox61.

Click here to view news story from WFSB.

Adaptive Kayak Classes are designed to provide adults with a physical disability the opportunity to learn or re-learn to kayak. Professional kayak instructors teach the basics of paddle strokes, kayak equipment, safety and how to adapt or modify for individual needs. This is a two-part class during two consecutive weeks. Once a participant completes both classes, they will be eligible to participate in open water paddles with the Sports Association during the summer months.

The Sports Association Adaptive Golf Clinics at Gaylord Hospital are designed to provide adult golfers with physical disabilities and visual impairments the opportunity to work with a trained professional to adapt the sport of golf and overcome barriers. Participants will receive instruction from golf professionals as well as Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists to give the best possible instruction and support independence. Beginners and returning participants are welcome and all equipment is provided.

Come try the Paralympic sport of Boccia. Boccia is a throwing sport of precision which has been adapted for athletes with physical disabilities. Boccia can be adapted to athletes with severe disabilities with a few modifications. The object is to place balls closest to the target ball. Games are played one on one, in pairs or teams of three.

The January, February and March Open Play Nights will involve warm-ups and training games/strategy which will be followed by open play. Come join us for some training and games! All are welcome!

Come and try this sport of skill and accuracy by registering for one of our Indoor Archery Clinics! Clinics are designed for individuals with a physical disability or visual impairment to learn about and participate in the sport of archery. Participants will receive instruction from a level IV Certified USA Archery Coach as well as Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists to give the best possible instruction and support independence. Both beginners and advanced archers are welcome and all equipment is provided.