Largest and Longest-Running National and Adaptive Sports Competition In the Country Returns to Grand Rapids July 10-16 For Second Straight Year
The Hartford Nationals Conducted By Move United Builds on Successful 2025 Event Attracting 423 Athletes and 161 Coaches from 36 States, Generating $2 Million in Economic Impact for Region
(GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – June 8, 2026) In just one month, Grand Rapids will host The Hartford Nationals conducted by Move United – the largest and longest-running national sport championship event for athletes with a physical disability, visual impairment, and/or intellectual disability. Held July 10-16, the competition returns to West Michigan for a second year, again hosted by the West Michigan Sports Commission (WMSC) and Mary Free Bed Wheelchair and Adaptive Sports, who seek hundreds of businesses and community members to get involved.
Awarded to Grand Rapids in 2025 for a two-year bid, The Hartford Nationals in 2025 attracted the highest number of participating athletes in the event’s history with 423 athletes and 161 coaches from 36 states (including a record 30 from Michigan), a 6.5 percent year-over year increase. The Hartford Nationals also generated $2,045,845 in total economic impact in 2025 – one of its strongest years.
“Last year’s event was a success at every level, and we look forward to building on that in 2026 with more people aware of the magnitude and impact of this prestigious national event in Grand Rapids,” said Mike Guswiler, president of the WMSC. “We hope to see even greater participation from our business and community members as we welcome back hundreds of athletes from around the country to compete in West Michigan.”
Attracting the best adaptive athletes in the country, this national championship features competitions in archery, boccia, para powerlifting, paratriathlon, shooting, swimming, track and field, and wheelchair tennis, as well as clinics, educational sessions, and social opportunities. Athletes competing in Grand Rapids must first qualify through one of more than 35 sanctioned competitions across the country throughout the Move United member network, a national governing body, or High School Athletic Association sanctioned event. The competition is a steppingstone for many athletes to compete at an international level, including the Paralympic Games.
Beyond last year’s attendance and economic success, The Hartford Nationals created a lasting local impact by expanding adaptive sports opportunities in West Michigan. Following the 2025 event, Mary Free Bed Wheelchair and Adaptive Sports added para swimming and adaptive track & field clinics after finding strong interest from local athletes who competed at The Hartford Nationals and wanted more opportunities to train. Since the event, dozens of new athletes have joined these clinics, strengthening the region’s adaptive sports community.
“Our athletes were energized by what they experienced at The Hartford Nationals, and they wanted more,” said Maria Besta, CTRS, director of integrative therapies and adaptive recreation at Mary Free Bed. “By adding para swim and adaptive track & field clinics, we’re giving people in our community a place to keep building skills, confidence and connection long after this event ends.”
Volunteer Opportunities
More than 500 volunteers are needed for the week-long competition to support the hundreds of participating athletes and coaches. Various volunteer roles are available, including announcing, sport timing, logistics set up and break down, athlete check in, athlete competition assistance, and more. Volunteer opportunities exist during the day and evening, and groups are encouraged to sign up together. Volunteers must be at least sixteen years of age and will receive a free T-shirt. Fundraising is available for groups to earn $500 by volunteering 45 hours or more. Those interested in participating can learn more at https://signup.com/go/yTcagbU or on the Move United volunteer information page. Groups who wish to volunteer should contact Katy Tigchelaar (ktigchelaar@westmisports.com) at the West Michigan Sports Commission.
Sponsorship and Exhibitor Opportunities
Sponsors are essential to the event’s success, with financial support enhancing the quality of the experience for athletes and offsetting the cost of developing, planning, promoting and facilitating the event, which exceeds $400,000. Sponsorship levels and benefits vary, starting at $1,000, along with in-kind donation opportunities. Exhibitors (vendors) also have multiple opportunities to showcase their services and products, either for a day or the week. Limited space is available, with a deadline of July 2 to submit items for inclusion in registration bags.
Contact Barb Benda (BBenda@westmisports.com) with the West Michigan Sports Commission to discuss sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities. For more information about being a sponsor or exhibitor, visit moveunitedsport.org/events/nationals/support-nationals/sponsor-nationals/