Sports Association Veteran Events Series (SAVES)
SAVES is a program of the Gaylord Sports Association that offers adaptive sports programs specifically for veterans who have experienced permanent physical disabilities, visual impairment or PTSD. The goal of the program is to support veterans in attaining a healthy lifestyle, better quality of life and new peer relationships through adaptive sports. The flagship program of SAVES are the Veteran Fishing tournaments held each year in May and September. Additional veteran specific sport programs are offered in golf, archery, boccia, kayak and yoga. The program has served over 140 veterans since its inception in 2009. We also welcome and encourage veteran participation in any of our adaptive sport programs.
Veterans Fishing Tournaments
The Veterans Fishing Tournaments are open water bass tournaments held on either Candlewood Lake in Danbury, CT or Lake Congomond in Southwick, MA. Each veteran will be paired with an experienced angler and boat captain from CT BASS NATION for a day on the water. Fishing equipment and tackle will be provided by the boat captain. All participants will receive a bag with snacks and drinks for the day. After fishing, each pair will bring their fish to the weigh-in station. Prizes are awarded for the top 3 weights. The event will conclude with an awards luncheon.
This event is organized in collaboration with the Major Steven “Roy” Andrews Fishing Outreach Program and CT Bass Nation.
This program is funded in part by a grant from the United States Department of Veteran Affairs in partnership with Move United Warfighter Sports Program and is offered at NO COST for veterans.
Location, Date & Times
Candlewood Lake Tournament
Date: Tuesday, May 17, 2022
Location: Candlewood Lake, 47 Hayestown Rd., Danbury, CT
Time: 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Lake Congamond Tournament
Date: Tuesday, September 20, 2022
Location: Lake Congamond, Southwick, MA
Timeline
Check-in: 7:00 – 7:15 a.m.
Fish: 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Weigh-In: 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Awards and Lunch: 3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Application Procedure
To participate, an application must be submitted for each tournament. The application process is now open for the tournament at Lake Congamond in Southwick, MA. Applications must be received by August 19, 2022. Veterans will be notified by August 29 if they are selected to participate. We recommend applying early as these tournaments fill quickly!
Online Application
More Information
Congamond Tournament Information Packet
Please contact us for additional information or questions at 203-284-2772 or sports@gaylord.org.