Dear Friends of the Sports Association,

It's already starting to feel like spring and we have been busy planning our spring and summer programs! We have three great special events coming your way! Our annual Adaptive Climbing Clinic is returning to Central Rock Gym on April 1, 2023 and registration is now open! Next week, we have an Exercise for Life Discovery Night where you can learn about this exercise program orgainzed by Gaylord Physical Therapy in Cheshire. We also have an indoor adaptive pickleblall clinic being held at New Horizons Village on March 1st. Our winter indoor clinics in Archery, Boccia, Golf and Kayak continue to run regularly. You can also join us from the comfort of home for a seated yoga class. 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

Join us at Gaylord Physical Therapy in Cheshire to learn about the Exercise For Life (EX4L) Program! The Exercise for Life Program is a FREE community group exercise class for people of all ages with physical disabilities. The Discovery Night will include a presentation on the program, demonstration of equipment used, opportunity to meet the coaches and information on how to apply for the program. This event is open to anyone who is interested in learning about the Exercise for Life Program.

The Sports Association will be partnering with New Horizons Village and the Town of Farmington for an indoor adaptive Pickleball Clinic! The clinic is open for both New Horizons Village residents and Sports Association members! This is a great opportunity to try out the sport or get in some indoor play. Pickleball is a paddle sport that can be played by individuals with all types of impairments. Players can play standing or from a wheelchair. There will be sports wheelchairs available at the clinic to try. Come join us for a fun morning of Pickleball!

The Gaylord Gauntlet 5k Trail and Obstacle Run celebrates its tenth year with 1,000 runners expected to participate in the Saturday, June 24^th race. Held entirely on the 400-acre campus of Gaylord Specialty Healthcare, race proceeds will benefit the Gaylord Sports Association! The course offers wooded trail and open field running with 24 natural and man-made obstacles, lots of mud, walls, climbing net, logs, a waterslide and more. The course is a fun challenge for everyone, with all racers utilizing the same obstacles. Two adaptive athletes sponsorships are available for out-of-state residents. 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. 

This Adaptive Kayak Class 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, including COVID-19 vaccination for participants and instructors. Please contact the Sports Association for details*.

The Gaylord Jammers joined forces with the NY Warriors for a recent tournament at Stony Brook University on Long Island. Jammers players helped the combined team win 2 games against the NEP Wildcats out of New Hampshire. Will Kornegay of the Jammers led the combined team in scoring with Armand Brunelle also contributing to scoring. Jammers Ben Darosa and Joe Stone on offense and defense helped the team to success. Matt Castelluccio and Brian Amundsen of NY anchored the starting lineup and were keys to the victories as well. The weekend also included some inter squad games with NY, CT and DC area players. Jammers Coach Dom Colavito had an opportunity to coach his first Wheelchair Rugby tournament and was happy with how the team played. He has coached the Gaylord Jammers since the fall of 2021 and was thrilled that the players finally had a chance to compete since COVID.