April Updates: The Hartford Competition Series, Education Conference & Instructor Referrals

Member Newsletter | April 2026

In this Issue:

The Hartford Competition Series

Move United Education Conference

Refer Instructors

Move United Celebrates 70 Years

Connect, Learn, Grow: Member Events

Member Benefit: Employment Opportunities

Meet Susan Rossi

The Hartford Competition Series 2026

Five Events, over $60,000 in Awards & Exclusive Pins

The 2026 Hartford Adaptive Sports Competition Series is here—and we're celebrating athletes like never before!

Compete Across Five Premier Events:

Texas Parasport Games In Partnership With The Hartford (April 23-26, San Antonio)
Gateway Games In Partnership With The Hartford (May 15-17, St. Louis)
Desert Challenge Games In Partnership With The Hartford (May 27-30, Mesa)
Great Lakes Games In Partnership With The Hartford (June 3-7, Chicago)
The Hartford Nationals conducted by Move United (July 10-16, Grand Rapids)

NEW This Year: Limited-Edition Collectors Pins! Each event features a unique pin—free with event participation. Compete at all five to complete your collection and connect with athletes pursuing the same goal.

Recognition & Support:

The Hartford Human Achievement Award: $2,500 for peer-nominated athletes who advocate and inspire (one recipient per event)
The Hartford Athlete Equipment Grant: Up to $5,000 in adaptive sports gear

Push what's possible in 2026.

Learn more

Sports Make Us More

Here's what you should know this month.

The 2026 Move United Education Conference

It’s not too late to register! Join us April 20–23, 2026 on Cape Cod, MA for the 2026 Move United Education Conference. With 90+ sessions and workshops, 25+ exhibitors, research poster presentations, and abundant networking opportunities, there’s something for everyone—from executive directors to program staff, coordinators, and volunteers.

Adaptive kayaker smiling at camera while paddling downstream

Refer an Instructor to teach at The Hartford Ski Spectacular

We are excited to be starting our search for ski and snowboard instructors to teach at the 40th annual The Hartford Ski Spectacular, December 6-12, 2026. We are asking our member organizations to refer qualified Level I, Level II and Level III Adaptive PSIA-AASI Instructors. Referred instructors must be currently certified and in good standing (up to date with CEUs). Please refer up to 10 qualified instructors. We will reach out to instructors you refer in early July to extend an invitation to apply to be a Learn to Ski or Snowboard Instructor.

The deadline to submit referrals is Friday, April 3, 2026.

Start Referring

Your History is OUR History

Some of our most enduring partnerships come from organizations founded generations ago—organizations that have served their communities for decades and, over time, started or expanded their mission to include adaptive sports. These organizations prove that the best community partners evolve to meet the needs of everyone. Whether they embraced adaptive sports from day one or added it to their services as our movement grew, these organizations have shown up for their communities decade after decade. Their commitment reminds us that expanding access happens when established institutions open their doors wider—and when communities demand it. Together, we've built a network of legacy organizations and emerging programs, all working toward the same goal: ensuring everyone has the opportunity to participate in sports and recreation. Let's start by celebrating our deep-rooted community partners founded from 1880-1953.

Learn More

Get in the Game

Join an upcoming event.

Move United Member Open Office Hours

April 8 | 12:00 - 2:00 PM ET

Join our Zoom office hours to connect with the membership team. Ask questions, share ideas, or simply say hello—we're here to support you.

Understanding the Move United Disciplinary Database

April 29 | 1:30 - 2:30 PM ET

This session will provide leadership from Move United member organizations with a clear and practical overview of the Move United Disciplinary Database: what it is, how it is used, and how disciplinary cases involving sport protection violations are processed and managed. Join Member Services team members Kayleigh McCauley-Sayer, Ed.D., and Ryan Semke for an interactive discussion that differentiates organizational responsibilities, clarifies reporting procedures, and offers tools to support safe and accountable sport environments.

Join the Movement

Member updates and highlights

Member Benefits Spotlight

Employment Opportunities Page

Candidates who visit our employment opportunities page aren’t just "job hunting"—they’re "mission hunting." They come here because they know our network's standards, values, and the impact they could have on athletes across the country.

Let us help you find the person who fits your culture as perfectly as they fit the job description.

Submit Listing

Meet Move United

Susan Rossi

Competitions Director

Susan Rossi joined Move United in 2015 and serves as Director of Competition, where she leads competition strategy across the organization. In her role, she oversees the Move United Sanctioned Competitions, The Hartford Competition Series, and The Hartford Nationals, helping expand high-quality competitive opportunities across the adaptive sports landscape. Learn more about Susan.

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Ready to be part of the movement transforming lives through sport?

Connect with us at ddodge@moveunitedsport.org or explore more at moveunitedsport.org.

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