“It is the largest and longest-running national sport championship for people with a physical disability, visual impairment, or intellectual disability.”
Katy Tigchelaar is VP of Operations for the West Michigan Sports Commission which, along with Mary Free Bed Wheelchair and Adaptive Sports, is hosting The Hartford Nationals in Grand Rapids for the second year in a row.
“We are at 424 athletes and 146 coaches representing 38 states.”
Athletes compete in eight different events including archery, para powerlifting, paratriathlon, shooting, track and field, and wheelchair and para standing tennis.
According to the commission, last year’s competition generated over $2 million for West Michigan’s economy.
“These people come to Grand Rapids, and they stay almost the whole week because they’re here to either compete and/or cheer on teammates, so it’s really great having that impact of a long stay for our area businesses and obviously our hotels.”
Visitors can watch the competition at Calvin University July 10th through the 16th. For more information or to volunteer, go to TheHartfordNationals.org
