Our Programs

Archery is offered year-round with adaptive archery clinics and an annual tournament. Clinics provide a safe, fun and supportive atmosphere to learn or re-learn the sport of archery. Coaching is provided by USA Archery certified instructors with an individualized approach to support success. Both beginners and experienced archers are encouraged to attend and all equipment is provided. Clinics are offered monthly at Gaylord Hospital, outdoors on the South Lawn or indoors in the Roncari Recreation Hall. For archers ready for competition, we host the annual Gaylord Bullseye Classic, an archery competition held
at Gaylord for adaptive athletes.

Boccia is a throwing sport of precision that is accessible for athletes of any ability with a variety of available modifications. The object is to place the ball closest to the target ball by throwing or rolling the ball using a ramp. Boccia sessions are offered in the Fall, Winter and Spring in the recreational hall at Gaylord Hospital. All abilities are welcome to learn this game of skill and strategy. Join us for some friendly and fun competition!

Virtual Boxing is a fun and fast-paced cardio workout for all abilities. Participants will learn different boxing moves and sequences during this 45-minute class. No experience or equipment is necessary and everyone can participate at their own pace from a seated or standing position. Classes will challenge you both physically and mentally and benefits include cardiovascular development, hand-eye coordination, memory, confidence and stress-relief. Classes are held virtually on Zoom in the Fall, Winter and Spring
with instructor Pierre Fallot of I CAN Adaptive Boxing.

The adaptive cycling program is designed to help people return to or get started with biking. We offer individual cycle fits, group rides and our annual Adaptive Cycling Clinic. The clinic is held in the Spring and offers an opportunity to work with adaptive cycle experts and explore dozens of adaptive cycles. Group rides are offered June through September in Cheshire on the linear trail, which is a closed trail, free from traffic. Riders can reserve an adaptive bike to use at the time of registration or bring their own. We work individually with new riders to determine what equipment works best, if any modifications are needed and to teach basic skills prior to participating in group rides.

Exercise for Life (EX4L) is a strength and conditioning program that works on building strength, endurance and flexibility in a group setting. The class is run by an exercise specialist under the supervision of a physical therapist and is located at Gaylord Physical Therapy in Cheshire. This is an excellent opportunity for participants to learn or build upon fitness skills and become more comfortable working out in a gym setting. Modifications will be made for each individual to promote independence and success.

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The Sports Association offers both adaptive kayak clinics and open water kayak outings to experience
this. Kayak clinics are offered several times per year in the Gaylord therapy pool and are designed to help you learn or return to kayaking in a safe and supportive environment. Each clinic begins with instruction on land followed by skills practice in the pool. ACA trained coaches work with each participant on how to adapt or modify for individual needs. We have specialized adaptive kayaks and a variety of adaptive equipment to support independence. Successful completion of a kayak clinic and water safety test will allow participants the opportunity to register for open water outings. Open water outings are offered during the summer in collaboration with Black Hall Outfitters in Old Lyme. Kayak is not only a great fitness activity, it’s an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, socialize, watch for wildlife and just have fun! All watersports programs have essential eligibility criteria to participate.

The Paratriathlon Training Program provides an opportunity to learn about and train for a sprint-length triathlon alongside other adaptive athletes. This program is an excellent introduction to the sport for beginners as well as a great training opportunity for experienced athletes. Athletes may choose to compete in all three legs of the event, or as part of a relay team. The program includes coaching, adaptive equipment, group training sessions and volunteer training partners to help athletes reach their goals. Interested athletes must apply and be selected to participate in the program. The program kicks off in May and athletes train from June through race day at the Dave Parcells Madison Triathlon in September.

Adaptive Pickleball is one of our newest and fastest-growing sports. Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of badminton, table tennis and tennis. Pickleball is easy to learn and can be enjoyed by all ability and skill levels, which includes standing or seated players. Players use solid paddles to hit a perforated ball over a low net. Pickleball sessions are a fun way to learn and practice the sport in a group setting with coaching from expert pickleball players. Sessions are held May through August at the Gaylord Tennis Courts. Players may reserve a sports chair for use during pickleball sessions.

The Sports Association ski and snowboard program partners with Summit Adaptive Sports at Ski Sundown in New Hartford, CT to offer six outings per season Outings are scheduled from January through March and include transportation from Gaylord Hospital to the mountain, specialized or standard ski equipment rental, lift ticket, and a 2 ½ hour individualized lesson. Come enjoy the slopes with us! Please note that some restrictions apply to this program. Annual doctor’s note required. There is a fee for each trip. 

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The Gaylord Sports Association Wolfpack is the only Sled Hockey team in Connecticut. Sled Hockey is a sit-down version of hockey, played by individuals whose disability prevents them from playing stand-up hockey. Players use their arms with two sticks to power themselves on the ice with specially designed sleds, and most of the standard rules of hockey apply. The team is a member of the Northeast Sled Hockey League (NESHL) and competes across the northeast and nationally from September through May. Team practices are held on Sundays from October through April at Choate Rosemary Hall in Wallingford.

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The Sports Association Veteran Adaptive Sports Series (SAVES) is designated adaptive sports
programming for veterans who have a physical disability or visual impairment. Programs have included kayaking, fishing, waterskiing, adaptive cycling, archery, yoga, golf, and new in 2024, bowling. We work with several groups from the VA who join us for regular adaptive sports programs. We also encourage veteran participation in any of our regular programs, to not only offer a wide range of opportunities, but to support veterans in attaining a healthy lifestyle, better quality of life and new peer relationship.

The Veterans Fishing Tournaments are open water bass fishing tournaments for veterans or service
members with a permanent physical disability, visual impairment or PTSD. The tournaments offer each veteran the unique opportunity to be paired with an experienced angler who provides the tournament boat, equipment and instruction. The tournament includes a day out on the water fishing, a weigh-in and an awards luncheon. Tournaments are held in May at Candlewood Lake and in September at Lake Congamond. There is no cost for veterans to attend this event. These events are run in collaboration with CT Bass Nation and the Major Steven Roy Andrews Fishing Outreach Program.

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Adaptive water ski clinics offer participants the opportunity to try, learn and progress in this fast and exciting water sport. Our goal is for participants to experience waterskiing in a fun, safe and supportive environment. Instruction is provided by USA Waterski Certified instructors, recreation therapists and expert water skiers. We welcome both new and experienced skiers to enjoy a day of skiing on Pachaug Pond, located in Griswold, CT. To participate, participants are required to provide an annual MD note, pass a water safety test and meet all essential eligibility criteria. Adaptive waterski clinics are offered
during the summer months.

The Gaylord Warriors Wheelchair Rugby Team is a combined CT/NY Team who compete in regional and national tournaments. Wheelchair Rugby is a highly competitive sport in national and international levels and is played almost exclusively by quadriplegic athletes. Other athletes include amputees, with the regulations specifying that athletes must have a physical impairment of all four limbs. This sport is the only full contact wheelchair sport and is played indoors on a basketball court. The team practices weekly September through March in North Haven, CT with coaching from an experienced and certified
coach. The team is a member of the United States Wheelchair Rugby Association (USWRA). New players and volunteers are welcome to join the team.

The Hornets Wheelchair Tennis Team was formed in 1999 as the first wheelchair tennis team in
Connecticut. The Hornets practice weekly during the tennis season on Gaylord's outdoor courts in
Wallingford, CT. The team is open to men and women ages 16 and up who have a physical disability. The sport is played by a wide range of individuals who have mobility limitations such as limb loss, spinal cord injury, spina bifida and anyone who has a permanent disability that limits participation in stand-up tennis. Team members include both recreational and competitive players. The team is coached by a USTA certified coach and the team is a member of the wheelchair division of the USTA. New players are welcome and wheelchair tennis chairs may be reserved for use during practice.

Mindful Resilience yoga classes are offered in the Fall, Winter and Spring and are held both in-person at Gaylord or virtually via Zoom. This yoga practice incorporates gentle yoga postures, movement sequences, breath work and guided meditation to help you focus clearly, move mindfully and practice gratitude. These practices are adapted and delivered to maximize their ability to undo the nervous system dysfunctions that underlie symptoms of stress-related conditions. This class is designed for all ability levels and will be taught primarily in the seated position with modifications to fit each individual’s capabilities. Classes are taught by a certified yoga instructor.