Dear Friends of the Sports Association,

 

Happy New Year and welcome to 2018! We are starting the year by rolling out a new event on February 3rd - the SMASH BOWL!  This wheelchair rugby tournament brings together able-bodied teams for a fun day of wheelchair rugby.  We are also announcing this year's Adaptive Sports Fest which will be held on Saturday, April 7th and our annual Adaptive Climbing Clinic on Saturday, March 24th. SAVE THE DATES!  And of course - Winter is here and the snow is falling! Take advantage of the snow and join us for one of our ski trips. Or, if you prefer to stay indoors, we have Boccia Open Play Nights, Golf Clinics, Archery Clinics, and Indoor Kayak Classes!

Come on 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

Here is your chance to check out the paralympic sport of Sled Hockey! Come cheer on the Gaylord Wolfpack as they take on the Northeast Passage Wildcats and the New York Rangers in the Northeast Sled Hockey League games!

Have you ever thought about trying rock climbing? Here is your chance to try this fun and challenging sport with expert instruction! Join the Sports Association for our annual Adaptive Rock Climbing Clinic! We are teaming up with Ascent Climbing and Prime Climb to offer this clinic for beginners or more experienced climbers ages 16 and up with a permanent physical disability or visual impairment. Climbers will receive an introduction to adaptive climbing followed by individualized climbing instruction. Climbers may use traditional climbing techniques or sit-climbing techniques depending on ability level.

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.