The Hartford Nationals, Move United’s largest and longest-standing national sport championship event for athletes with a physical disability, visual impairment, and/or intellectual disability, returned to Hoover, Alabama, July 12-18.
Now in its 67th year, over 400 athletes with disabilities and coaches participated in events including competitions, clinics, educational sessions, and social opportunities. The sports contested included archery, para powerlifting, paratriathlon, shooting, swimming, track and field, and wheelchair tennis.
To compete at the event, the athletes must have qualified through one of more than 30 sanctioned competitions that took place across the country throughout the Move United member network. The national competition has been a stepping stone for many athletes to progress and compete at an international level, including the Paralympic Games.
“With the 2024 Summer Paralympic Games in Paris just around the corner and the return of the Paralympics to the US in 2028, many of the athletes competing here could very well represent Team USA at one of those upcoming competitions,” said Glenn Merry, Move United executive director. Representatives from several national governing bodies were onsite to assist with classification, clinics, and other activities.
