The Sports Association is dedicated to improving the lives of persons with physical disabilities through adaptive sports and recreation.

Dear Friends of the Sports Association,

We have had a great start to 2017! We hosted the first ever Blind Hockey Clinic in Connecticut last weekend in collaboration with the Blinded Veterans Association. Also last weekend, the USA Women's Sled Hockey team visited CT and we had some exciting games with them. Plus, we have just introduced a new sport to our program lineup - Boccia! This Paralympic sport is fun and open to players of all abilities. There is so much more to come in 2017! Check out our upcoming programs in Boccia, Indoor Archery, Skiing, Kayaking and Golf. Winter is still here and we have room in our upcoming ski club trips, so call us for more information. Now is the time! Registration is also open for the 2017 Gaylord Gauntlet. We have an exciting year ahead and we hope to see you soon! To get involved, just contact the Sports Association at 203-284-2772 or visit our website at www.gaylord.org/sports for more information.

-The Sports Association

The Roncari Hall in the Jackson Pavilion was the site of some very spirited competition on January 12, 2017. Seventeen participants were introduced to the Paralympic Sport of Boccia. The evening began with a short presentation followed by an opportunity for each attendee to play a round and experience the fun and strategy of Boccia. Join us for more upcoming boccia events planned for February and March.

This past weekend, the USA Women’s National Sled Hockey Team was in CT for a weekend of training on their path to the Winter Paralympics. Our own Sled Hockey Team, the Gaylord Wolfpack took on the team for some hard hitting competition during games on Saturday, January 28th and Sunday, January 29th. Spectators from Gaylord along with friends and family gathered to watch these action packed games! Fox 61 and News 8 covered the Sunday game! Click HERE to watch the News 8 feature. The Wolfpack played well and came out on top for both games. Go Wolfpack!

The Southern Connecticut State University Rugby Team played the Connecticut Jammers on Sunday, January 22nd for the first time! The gym was full of spectators as the able-bodied SCSU Rugby players got into chairs and learned to play Quad Rugby! The Jammers prevailed but fun was had by all! The New Haven Register attended and took some great photos! Click HERE to check them out!

Don't miss this exciting demonstration game as the able-bodied Grey Rugby Team gets into rugby chairs and take on the CT Jammers Wheelchair Rugby Team during their annual match. Come learn about Quad Rugby and cheer on the teams. Interested players and spectators are welcome!

Date:
Saturday, March 18, 2017

Session 1
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Wheelchair Athletes

Session 2
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Open to adults with a permanent physical disability or visual impairment

Cost: Free

The Ski Club has gone on two outings to Ski Sundown with great conditions! There is plenty of time to join us for an upcoming trip to Ski Sundown or Mt. Sunapee. Trips include standard or adaptive ski equipment and a 2-1/2 hour ski lesson. Call or email us today!

Limited transportation is available this season.

For more information, please contact the Sports Association at 203-284-2772 or sports@gaylord.org.

Advanced registration is required to secure a spot on the slopes!!

Our new series of Indoor Archery Clinics continue at Gaylord Hospital! Adaptive Archery Clinics provide the opportunity for individuals with physical disabilities to learn about and participate in the sport of archery. These clinics are appropriate for individuals ranging from beginner to advanced skill levels and provide standard archery equipment, adaptive archery equipment, as well as professional instruction by a level IV Certified USA Archery Coach.

Adaptive Kayak Classes are designed to provide adults with a physical disability the opportunity to learn or re-learn to kayak. Professsional 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.

Note: Essential Elgibility Requirements apply for this class. Please contact the Sports Association for details.

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, and teams of three. Come join us for some training and games! All are welcome!

The Sports Association Adaptive Winter Golf Clinics are in full swing! These clinics are designed to provide adult golfers with physical disabilities the opportunity to work with a trained professional to adapt the sport of golf and overcome physical impairments. Participants will recieve instruction from golf professionals as well as therapeutic recreation specialists to give the best possible instruction and support independence. Clinics are held indoors at Gaylord Hospital.