The Hartford Nationals
Champions compete here.
July 8 - 14, 2023
MOVE UNITED SELECTS HOOVER, ALABAMA AS HOST FOR 2023 THE HARTFORD NATIONALS
Move United, the national leader in community-based sports and recreation for individuals with disabilities, has selected the City of Hoover and Birmingham, Alabama, as the host for the 2023 The Hartford Nationals. In addition, the event will expand to include adults as well as youth athletes with a physical, visual, and/or intellectual disability.
The Hartford Nationals is the largest and longest-standing national sport championship event for athletes with a physical, visual, and/or intellectual disability. The 2023 event, scheduled for July 8-14, marks the 66th year of competition. Athletes must qualify to compete through one of more than two dozen local or regional Move United Sanctioned Competitions, a National Governing Body or High School Athletic Association sanctioned event, or other held across the country event approved by Move United.
A national competition for adult athletes began in 1957 and continued through 1995. Youth athletes were able to compete starting in 1985 and that event still continues today. Those two events are now merging together in 2023. This will encourage adult athletes, warfighters, and Paralympians to join the existing youth competitors.
“There is a real need for additional opportunities for adaptive athletes over the age of 22 to not only come together but also to compete,” said Move United Executive Director Glenn Merry. “We are excited to provide a platform for all athletes in our community to showcase their talent starting next year.”
With more than 400 athletes with disabilities and coaches expected to participate, the weeklong event includes competitions, clinics, education and social opportunities. The sports that will be contested include archery, para powerlifting, paratriathlon, shooting, swimming, track and field, and wheelchair tennis.
Move United selected the City of Hoover to host the 2023 and 2024 competition after a nationwide bid process. The local organizing committee that will host and spearhead the event include the City of Hoover, Lakeshore Foundation, and Birmingham Convention and Visitors Bureau.
“As one of the most diverse cities in Alabama, the City of Hoover makes an intentional effort to make sure everyone feels included and empowered,” says Hoover Mayor Frank V. Brocato. “We are excited to share our facilities with the Move United team and those of all abilities. We also look forward to welcoming all of the athletes to our area and showing them an experience filled with smiles and southern charm.”
Athlete, Coach, and Guide Registration
Register for Nationals and sign up for national classification opportunities.
Athlete Eligibility, Classification & Rules
Learn about who is eligible to participate, sport rules, and qualifying standards.
Host City & Hotels
Learn about local hotels and the great city of Hoover
Sponsor Info
Partners make this event possible. Learn about the range of sponsorship opportunities here
Host The Hartford Nationals
Learn about how your city can host a future The Hartford Nationals.
How do I qualify and become eligible for The Hartford Nationals?
General eligibility requirements can be found online.
How do I book my hotel room?
Please find hotel information on the Hotels & Host City page.
Will any meals be available during the event?
A meal plan will be published with the launch of registration on May 1, 2023.
Can I extend my hotel stay before and/or after the event starts and ends
Yes. Most hotels will offer a +/- rate of two days before the event starts and ends.
How much does it cost to participate in The Hartford Nationals?
Please visit the “registration” page.
I have a visual impairment. Can you provide me with a guide? If I bring my own, will they need to register and/or pay?
You must provide your own guide and guide vest. The guide should register under the Coach registration link and sign the waiver and code of conduct. The guide’s registration fee will be waived. If you cannot find a guide, please inform Jessie Cloy (jcloy@moveunitedsport.org) by the close of registration. The local organizing committee will do its best to assist you.
Do I need to be a member of a team to register?
No. Although around twenty teams of various sizes attend Nationals, over two dozen independents are typically represented as well. We suggest independent athletes join forces with other independents as well as buddy up with the teams. Don’t be shy and ask if help is needed!
Do I need a coach?
A coach is highly suggested. Registered coaches will have access to nightly coaches’ meetings to obtain information as well as event specific heat sheets. Your parent may register as a coach to gain access to these meetings.
Do I need an appointment for classification?
If you have a physical impairment and you have not yet been nationally classified or you need to be seen again in classification, then you MUST make an appointment. Athletes with a visual impairment or intellectual impairment must be classified prior to attending Nationals. For more information scroll to the bottom of the Eligibility page.
Do I need to bring my own equipment?
On most occasions, yes. Please note the sport specific needs:
- Archery: Bring all necessary equipment.
- Field: Please bring needed throwing chairs. Throwing implements are provided at the event. If you choose to use your own implements, they must be approved through weights and measures prior to the event during times marked “implement check in” on the schedule. Once the implements are weighed/measured, they will be impounded, and athletes should pick them up after the event at the implement check in area. Any personal implements used will also be available to others in your field pit.
- Paratriathlon: All athletes must bring their own equipment. This includes bicycles, racing wheelchairs, and helmets.
- Powerlifting: Please ensure your competition gears meets the sport-specific requirements.
- Shooting: Athletes are encouraged to bring their personal air rifles. A limited number of air rifles will be available to loan out for the competition.
- Swimming: Bring all necessary equipment to include suit, cap and goggles.
- Track: Bring all necessary equipment to include a helmet, racing chair, track spikes, and/or guide runner vest. All spikes must be pyramids and not exceed ¼” (7mm). High jumpers and javelin throwers may use 3/8” (9mm) spikes. No Christmas tree or Need styled spikes will be allowed. Starting blocks will be provided.
- General: Sunscreen, shade tents, and chairs advised for outdoor venues. A water bottle and athletic clothing advised.
Will equipment storage be available onsite?
Yes, equipment storage is available for track and field. Anything stored onsite is stored at your own risk.
Will there be medical support onsite?
Medical staff, emergency services, and/or first aid will be available at the venues during all scheduled hours of competition. Additionally, the nearest medical facility to the host hotel and competition venues will be identified.
How do I obtain heat sheets?
Heat sheets will be given out at the coaches’ meetings to those with a coach credential. The heat sheets will provide starting times, order of heats, and listing of all athletes within each heat.
When and where are results posted?
Results will be posted as soon as possible at each sport venue and at the host hotel as well as on the Move United website.
Where do I get updates and announcements?
Updates and announcements will be provided via a free event app available to all participants.
Updates, images and other content will also be provided during the event via social media. Please follow us on social media and share with your friends!
Facebook – @MoveUnitedSports
Twitter – @MoveUnitedSport
Instagram – @MoveUnitedSport
YouTube – @MoveUnited
LinkedIn – @MoveUnited
How can I donate to The Hartford Nationals?
Every donation counts!
Would you like to support The Hartford Nationals with an individual gift of any size? Please make a secure online tax deductible donation here:
Is there an emergency plan?
An emergency plan will be posted for each venue prior to competition on the “event venues” tab and available at the orientations and coaches meetings.
What happens in the case of inclement weather?
Weather announcements will be posted on the event app. If severe weather happens during a competition, an announcement will be made and the emergency plan will be followed.
Contacts
Local Sponsorship Info
Dee Nance / Kelly Peoples, City of Hoover
hparfoundation@gmail.com / kelly.peoples@hooveralabama.gov
Registration, Eligibility and Sports-Specific Info
Jessie Cloy, Competition Manager
240-268-5380, jcloy@moveunitedsport.org
National Sponsorship Info
Dave Simonson, Development Director
301-217-9837, dsimonson@moveunitedsport.org
Media Relations
Shuan Butcher, Communications Manager
240-268-2180, sbutcher@moveunitedsport.org
Volunteer Oversight
Amy Belcher
amybel@lakeshore.org