Grand Rapids to Return as 2027 Hartford Nationals Host
Move United will return with the adaptive sports event for a third straight year
Posted On: July 17, 2026 By :Adaptive sports organization Move United will return to Grand Rapids, Michigan, for the 2027 Hartford Nationals — the third consecutive year the event will be held in the destination. The event is the largest and longest-running national sport championship event for athletes with a physical disability, visual impairment, and/or intellectual disability.
Scheduled for July 9–15, the 2027 event will mark the 70th anniversary of The Hartford Nationals.
The 2026 event recently concluded a six-day run, featuring a record 428 athletes from 38 states competing in eight sports, including archery, boccia, para powerlifting, paratriathlon and aquathlon, shooting, swimming, track and field, and wheelchair and para standing tennis.
The event was hosted locally by the West Michigan Sports Commission with support from a Move United member organization, Mary Free Bed Wheelchair and Adaptive Sports. The 2026 event was going to be the second and final year of a two-year bidding cycle.
“Making the decision to return to Grand Rapids for a third year reflects what a wonderful experience our host organizations have provided to our competitors and families,” said Move United CEO Glenn Merry. “The venues are top notch, hotel accommodations are accessible and first rate, and the friendly and hospitable community and volunteers have really shown the light on how remarkable Grand Rapids is for sports.”
“With two years of hosting The Hartford Nationals for Move United under our belt, we couldn’t be more thrilled to host a third year in Grand Rapids,” said West Michigan Sports Commission President Mike Guswiler. “This is a testament not only to our city as a premier sports destination due to our quality venues and hospitality, but also as an adaptive sports community with local partners like Mary Free Bed Wheelchair & Adaptive Sports. We have developed a strong and trusted partnership with Move United from hosting The Hartford Nationals over the past two years, and we look forward to continuing that momentum a third year.”
Seven Local Venues Used
Seven local venues hosted competition events in 2026: Calvin University’s Gainey Athletic Facility (track and field, and welcome ceremony), Calvin University’s Venema Aquatic Center (swimming), Mary Free Bed YMCA (archery and para powerlifting), Millennium Park (paratriathlon), MSA Fieldhouse (boccia and shooting), MVP Athletic Club (tennis) and the Grand Rapids Public Museum (closing celebration).
The event generates an estimated economic impact of more than $2 million in direct visitor spending in the West Michigan community. Athletes at the event must qualify through one of more than 35 sanctioned competitions that take place across the country throughout the Move United member network, a national governing body, or High School Athletic Association sanctioned event.
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