We believe that everyone, regardless of ability level, should have the opportunity to enjoy sports and recreational opportunities. There are many ways to get involved with the sports, teams, clinics, and events that are part of the Gaylord Sports Association. We will work with you to reach your adaptive sports goals, whether that may be to try a new activity, return to a past leisure pursuit, or strive to be a Paralympic athlete, we can help you to get there. People who lead active, satisfying lives are happier and healthier, and that’s a perfect reason to get involved. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to meet other people, try new activities, challenge yourself and explore the possibilities of adaptive sports! We also have opportunities for volunteers and event sponsors to get involved.
Participant Eligibility
We serve individuals ages 16 and up with a permanent physical disability or visual impairment. Our participants include people who have experienced a spinal cord injury, amputation, stroke, traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis, spina bifida, visual impairment, neurological conditions, post-traumatic stress disorder and other related disabilities. Veterans who meet our criteria are encouraged to participate. If you are interested but not sure if you are eligible, please give us a call!
How to join the Gaylord Sports Association
Joining the Sports Association is easy and free! New members complete a member profile and annual waiver to join. Once completed, these can be mailed, emailed or faxed to our office. If you are not sure about becoming a member, but want to stay connected, please complete an Interest Sheet. The forms can be downloaded. You can also request to have a new member packet mailed to you – just complete the Contact Us Form and let us know how we can help you!
Member Profile Form
Interest Sheet Form
Liability and Media Release Form
Online Liability & Media Release Waiver Form
Program Registration
Since our programs provide individualized instruction, we require advanced registration and prior completion of required forms for all programs. To register, participants should call the Sports Association at (203) 284-2772 or email us at [email protected] to be added to the registration list for the program of your choice. To finalize your registration, you may be required to complete our member forms, update your profile or sign our annual waiver. Some programs have additional requirements which we will notify you of upon your registration. If we have reached the maximum number of participants for a program, you will be placed on the wait list.
Program Cost
Thanks to extensive support from donors, sponsors, grants and fundraising, all of our programs are offered at no cost or for a minimal fee. Our adaptive sport clinics and discovery nights are always free. Club sports, teams, classes, tournaments and special events may have a fee associated with participation. If a program has a fee, it will be indicated on the event listing on our Calendar page.
Click here to Pay for a Clinic, Sport, or Equipment
Support the Gaylord Sports Association
There are many ways to get involved in supporting the Sports Association. Opportunities include volunteering, sponsoring a program or event, making a donation, fundraising, participating in a fundraising event or referring our program to people who may benefit.
If you are interested in making a donation, starting a fundraiser or sponsoring a program, please visit our Support Us page.
Volunteer
The Sports Association relies on over 150 volunteers each year to run our programs. We are continuously recruiting new volunteers to help us with regular programming, special events and team sports. Opportunities range from a dedicated volunteer position to a one-time special event volunteer. Feel free to contact us to discuss the opportunities.
Volunteer Opportunities Information
Volunteer Application Form
Additional Volunteer Opportunities
Additional volunteer opportunities are available within the hospital and can include transporting patients, clerical support, working in the gift shop or library and so forth. Click here to learn more.
All of our volunteer positions are an important part of helping us to fulfill our mission of restoring each person to the hightest level of independence possible.
Coaching Opportunities
There are currently no coaching jobs available with the Sports Association. Please check back here for coaching job updates.