Grand Rapids to host The Hartford Nationals again in 2027

Move United says Grand Rapids will host The Hartford Nationals for a third year in July 2027, marking the adaptive sports championship’s 70th anniversary. The event is expected to bring more than 400 athletes and more than $2 million in direct visitor spending to West Michigan.

Why it matters: - Grand Rapids will keep a major adaptive sports event that draws athletes, families and visitors from across the country. - The 2027 event is expected to generate more than $2 million in direct visitor spending in West Michigan. - The Hartford Nationals is the largest and longest-running national championship for athletes with a physical disability, visual impairment and/or intellectual disability.

What happened: - Move United announced at the closing ceremony that The Hartford Nationals will return to Grand Rapids in 2027 for a third year. - The 2026 competition ended July 16 after a six-day run from July 10-16. - This year’s event drew 428 athletes from 38 states. - Competition included eight sports: archery, boccia, para powerlifting, paratriathlon and aquathlon, shooting, swimming, track and field, and wheelchair and para standing tennis. - The 2027 event is scheduled for July 9-15 in Grand Rapids.

The details: - Move United is the national leader in community-based adaptive sports and recreation for individuals with disabilities. - The Hartford Nationals 2026 was hosted locally by the West Michigan Sports Commission with support from Mary Free Bed Wheelchair and Adaptive Sports. - Seven Grand Rapids venues hosted events in 2026: Calvin University’s Gainey Athletic Facility, Calvin University’s Venema Aquatic Center, Mary Free Bed YMCA, Millennium Park, MSA Fieldhouse, MVP Athletic Club and the Grand Rapids Public Museum. - The Gainey Athletic Facility hosted track and field and the welcome ceremony. - The Venema Aquatic Center hosted swimming. - The Mary Free Bed YMCA hosted archery and para powerlifting. - Millennium Park hosted paratriathlon. - MSA Fieldhouse hosted boccia and shooting. - MVP Athletic Club hosted tennis. - The Grand Rapids Public Museum hosted the closing celebration. - Next year’s event marks the 70th anniversary of The Hartford Nationals. - The first event took place in 1957 at Adelphi College in New York for adult adaptive athletes. - Youth athletes were added in 1984, and the event is now open to all ages. - Athletes must qualify through one of more than 35 sanctioned competitions across the Move United member network, a national governing body or a High School Athletic Association sanctioned event.

Between the lines: - Returning for a third year suggests local organizers delivered a successful venue, hospitality and accessibility experience. - The repeat hosting also points to Grand Rapids’ growing role as an adaptive sports hub, not just a one-time host city. - The combination of venue spread, athlete turnout and estimated visitor spending signals the event has both sporting and economic value for the region.

What's next: - Athletes can begin qualifying for The Hartford Nationals 2027 through sanctioned competitions nationwide. - More event details are available at thehartfordnationals.org. - Move United and local partners will prepare Grand Rapids for the July 9-15, 2027 competition window.

The bottom line: - Grand Rapids is set to extend its run as host of one of the country’s marquee adaptive sports championships, with the 70th Hartford Nationals returning in 2027.