Dear Friends of the Sports Association,

 

Spring is around the corner and the Sports Association is gearing up for spring and summer programs! We are excited to announce that registration is open for our spring Veterans Fishing Tournament on Candlewood Lake on May 17!  And if you are interested in Paratriathlon, join the Discovery Night on April 21 to learn about our Paratriathlon Training Program.  Check out all our spring programs in our spring calendar posted on our website www.gaylord.org/sports. Click on the calendar link for a download of the calendar.

 

Registration is open for the Gaylord Gauntlet 5K Obstacle Mud Run on June 25! Funds raised for this event directly benefit the Gaylord Sports Association programs. Support us by registering as a runner or volunteer! New this year, we are offering an adaptive athlete sponsorship for out of state athletes!  More information in the newsletter below! 

 

We continue to offer our in-person clinics in archery, golf and boccia as well as our  veterans clinics. Our vitual adaptive boxing and fitness programs continue on a weekly basis and we accept registration at any time for these programs, so join us from the comfort of your home!

 

We hope to see you soon!

 

All the best,

The Gaylord Sports Association

 

Do you know an adaptive athlete who lives out of state and wants to challenge themselves at the Gaylord Gauntlet 5K Trail and Obstacle Run? Gaylord is offering adaptive athlete sponsorships for out of state athletes to cover race fees, lodging and meals for the adaptive athlete and up to 4 support team members. Here is an opportunity to put determination and athleticism to the test! More than 1,000 athletes will 'run the gauntlet' conquering 23 man-made and natural obstacles. To learn more or to apply, click HERE. For additional information about being an adaptive athlete at the Gauntlet or registering for the race, visit www.gaylordgauntlet.org. 

Come support the Gaylord Wolfpack Sled Hockey Team as they conclude their season at the Amelia Park New England Sled Hockey Invitational Tournament April 1-3 in Westfield, MA. The tournament brings together teams from Philadelphia, Buffalo, Boston, Springfield, Vermont and New Hampshire! We are excited to welcome several guest players from the USA Women's National Sled Hockey Team to join our team for the tournament! Come cheer on the players and see some exciting action! 

 

Gaylord Wolfpack vs. Philadelphia Hammerheads at 12:00 noon

Gaylord Wolfpack vs. NEP Wildcats at 10:00 PM

Gaylord Wolfpack vs. Buffalo Sabres at 10:30 AM

Playoffs at 8:30 AM and 1:30 PM

Brought to you by RxRelax and the National Paralysis Resource Center of the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, this event will describe and demonstrate how you can use yoga movements, breath-practices and mindfulness techniques to build overall physical, emotional and cognitive resilience in changing and challenging times. This protocol is evidence-based to help reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, insomnia and PTSD.  This event is free and open to all.

The Veterans Fishing Tournament is an open water bass fishing tournament on Candlewood Lake for veterans or service members with a permanent physical disability, visual impairment or PTSD. Each veteran will be paired with an experienced boat captain for a day on the water. The tournament includes all fishing equipment, tournament weigh-in, and an awards luncheon. This event is run in partnership with the Major Steven Roy Andrews Fishing Outreach Program and Connecticut Bass Nation with support from Move United and the VA Adaptive Sports Grant. 

Join the Sports Association and Triathlon Coach, Doug Levens, as they discuss the upcoming triathlon season.  Learn about the Paratriathlon team, upcoming training sessions, how to apply to be part of the program, and about the Dave Parcells Madison Triathlon which is the culmination of the Paratriathon training program.

 

Join the Sports Association once a month for Veterans Only clinics in Boccia, Archery,  Kayak, and Seated Yoga. 

Join the Sports Association for a kayak class in preparation for the summer kayak season! This Adaptive Kayak Class provides the opportunity to learn or re-learn kayaking.  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*.

Golf clinics provide the opportunity to work with a trained PGA professional, Certified Recreation Therapists and volunteers to adapt the sport of golf, overcome barriers, and support independence. Clinics will include practice at our indoor driving range and putting green.  Beginners and returning participants are welcome and all equipment is provided.