Alabama is preparing for the big event of adapted sports. GETTY IMAGES.

In Hoover, Alabama, between 12 and 18 July, the Harford Nationals celebration returns once again to make the United States the epicentre of inclusive sport. It is the largest national championship for athletes with physical, visual, and intellectual disabilities.



In this 67th edition, the event will feature over 400 disabled athletes and a large group of trained individuals ready to participate in a week filled with competitions such as archery, parapowerlifting, paratriathlon, shooting, swimming, athletics, and wheelchair tennis. In addition to this, the schedule includes some educational sessions aimed at enhancing the psychological skills of the participants.

To be part of this sports event, athletes have had to undergo a qualifying process in one of the more than 30 tournaments held across the country. These were designed by Move United, the American collective that organises the Hartford Nationals and is dedicated to promoting sport and physical activity for people with disabilities. The major draw of this championship is its facilitation of athlete advancement to various international competitions, including the Paralympic Games.

"With the 2024 Summer Paralympics in Paris just around the corner and the return of the Paralympics to the USA in 2028, many of the athletes competing here could well represent Team USA in one of those upcoming competitions," says Move United's Executive Director Glenn Merry, who understands that the projection offered by the Harford Nationals in this regard is among the most significant in the world.


The championship is an example of inclusion. MOVE UNITED.
The championship is an example of inclusion. MOVE UNITED.


This year's championship features some notable innovations, such as the provision of custom-made sports equipment provided by the organisation to the participants. Similarly, the establishment of the so-called Human Achievement Award stands out, which will be granted to the athlete who, designated by their peers, serves as a role model in advocating for adapted sports and inspires others. The recipient will receive a $2,500 (2310,25 €) grant for training or travel related to these types of sporting disciplines.

Claire Burns, Director of Marketing and Communications, notes, "We are on a mission to increase participation in adapted sports by making competitions, local events, and teams more accessible to youth and adults. Adapted athletes pay approximately 15 times more for equipment than non-adapted athletes, and we are committed to helping eliminate cost as a barrier to participation."

The Hartford Nationals are organised by the local administration of the city of Hoover and the Lakeshore Foundation, with additional support from the Birmingham Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham. Additionally, Champion Sports Medicine, Grandview Medical Center, and Aspire Sports Institute will provide medical services. Activities will take place at the Hoover Met Complex, including the Hoover Met Stadium and the Finley Center, Lakeshore Foundation, Spain Park High School, Birmingham CrossPlex, and Oak Mountain State Park.