Breaking barriers with every bullseye | Adaptive archers compete with heart in Wallingford
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Gaylord Hospital helped athletes overcome personal challenges and build lifelong friendships during its fourth annual bullseye archery tournament on Tuesday.
WALLINGFORD, Conn. — With steady hands, focused minds and adaptive equipment, these archers inWallingford are proving that determination hits harder than any barrier.
“Even though we shoot different styles and different bows, we’re all that one team," one participant in the Gaylord Bullseye Classic Archery Tournament said on Tuesday.
On the range, the only sounds cutting through the quiet are arrows releasing, targets hitting and the occasional celebratory cheer. Each archer comes with their own story—and their own challenges—but with adaptive gear and unwavering focus, one message is clear: disability does not mean inability.
For athlete Chelsea Michaud, archery isn’t about limitations—it’s about freedom and focus
“We don’t see a wheelchair. We don’t see an amputee with a prosthetic leg. We’re all the same," she said. “I use a mouth tab on my bow to shoot because I don’t have dexterity in half of my hands. It took me four years to master it. The wind didn’t help today, but the mouth tab allows me to do what I love—which is archery.”
Every shot Michaud takes is a testament to her perseverance and passion. At the heart of the tournament is the Gaylord Sports Association, whose mission goes beyond medals and rankings.
“After a major injury or illness, someone may feel like their whole life has changed—and it may be changed. But we want people to know: you can still be an athlete,” said Katie Joly, sports association manager. “You can still compete in archery, sled hockey, wheelchair rugby, wheelchair tennis. We have so many opportunities. Our mission is to help people realize those opportunities and help them get there.”
Gaylord continues to push the limits—year after year—to grow this event and inspire more athletes to return to the sports they love.
For athlete Bill Hardwicke, the event was about more than just hitting the bullseye.
“The friendships you develop here will last a lifetime. The memories will last a lifetime," he said. “We’ve all had our setbacks, but this allows us to go back and do something we did in the past. Maybe not the same way—but a different way. And it’s a good feeling. Good for the mind, body and soul.”
From first-time competitors to seasoned champions, this year’s adaptive archery tournament was about more than scores—it was about resilience, community and heart.
