Sports & Fitness Programs
Hospital for Special Care's commitment to sports and fitness extends far beyond the hospital grounds. For example, HSC is the managing sponsor of the Cruisers, a team of young, physically disabled Connecticut athletes who compete locally, regionally, and nationally in wheelchair track and field competitions, where many Cruisers have set several national records.
Through Special Care's Ivan Lendl Junior Wheelchair Sports Camp—the first and only one of its kind on the East Coast—world-class disabled athletes provide campers with instruction in tennis, swimming, basketball, and track and field at no cost, thanks to the fundraising success of Special Care's Annual Ivan Lendl Golf Tournament.
HSC also sponsors its own wheelchair basketball team, a WAVE swim team, Skiers' Unlimited, and numerous clinics, conferences, and symposia, all part of an effort to champion the cause of athletes living with disabilities through education, information and advocacy.
Through our Sports and Fitness Programs we give both children and adults the opportunity to achieve their goals and lead independent lives. Sports and fitness programs, both competitive and recreational, teach life skills, promote confidence and develop leadership. In addition, friendships are built, accomplishments are recognized, and people are pushing themselves to levels they never thought they could achieve. All of these attributes combined promote a healthy lifestyle for individuals with disabilities.
At Hospital for Special Care we believe that people with disabilities should have every opportunity to pursue their dreams.
Ivan Lendl Junior Wheelchair Sports Camp
The annual Ivan Lendl Junior Wheelchair Sports Camp is offered every summer for children ages 7-18 with physical disabilities. It provides an opportunity to receive instruction in sports such as tennis, swimming, basketball and track and field. Instruction is provided by experienced disabled athletes who serve as role models for the campers.
Ivan Lendl Sports Camp Brochure
Ivan Lendl Sports Camp Health and Waiver Form
Ivan Lendl Sports Camp Medication Form
Skiers Unlimited
Skiers Unlimited is designed to teach children with physical disabilities how to ski. This is a joint program of Hospital for Special Care and Connecticut Children's Medical Center that is held Friday afternoons from January to March at Mount Southington Ski Area, in Southington, CT. Ski equipment is provided for any skier needing equipment.
The only therapeutic horseback riding center in central Connecticut and a member of the Hospital for Special Care Community, Manes and Motions Therapeutic Riding Center is at Wedgewood Stables in Kensington, offering children and adults living with cognitive and physical disabilities with the opportunity to enjoy horseback riding for therapeutic, recreational, sport and educational purposes.
This wonderful opportunity and the magical connection and therapeutic value from horses will open up a whole new world for our children and adults involved in the disabled sports and fitness programs at Hospital for Special Care. Volunteers and dedicated staff are key to the meteoric growth and success of Manes & Motions.
Therapeutic riding and its benefits have been documented for many years, going as far back as 1875. It has long been known that the human-animal bond is a powerful force in human emotions, and is one of the most important elements program.
In addition to the emotional benefits, therapeutic riding is proven to improve muscle tone, head control, mobility, coordination, physical strength, confidence and self-esteem. During each session riders enjoy a variety of games and activities designed for horseback, which motivate the rider and provide opportunities for meeting physical, cognitive, behavioral and psychological goals.
The addition of therapeutic riding has the potential to expand our sports, leadership and training program in a variety of ways. Volunteer opportunities are available for youth 14 years of age and older.
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In order to make sports safe, successful and an enjoyable experience for young people, the American Sports Education Program (ASEP) Coaches Clinic provides quality courses and resources for educating coaches, administrators, officials, parents and athletes.
Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports (VASS) is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing sports and recreation activities to individuals with disabilities.
Provides persons with disabilities the opportunity to enjoy sailing—not only as passengers, but as skippers—and to encourage persons with and without disabilities to share the experience. Anyone with a disability can learn to sail and everyone is encouraged to participate. Located in the South Yard on Pilots Point Marina in Westbrook, CT, Sail Connecticut Access Program sails from June through September.
Spokebenders Wheelchair Basketball Team
The Spokebenders Wheelchair Basketball Team is one of the longest running competitive wheelchair basketball teams registered with the National Wheelchair Basketball Association (NWBA). The Spokebenders compete in home tournaments, as well as tournaments throughout the United States against other community-based wheelchair basketball teams. The Spokebenders are members of the NWBA Northeast Conference, and compete at the NWBA Division 2 level. Any interested new player is welcome to join the team and learn the sport of wheelchair basketball.
Cruisers Track & Field & Racing Team
The Cruisers Team is a group of athletes competing in track and field competitions as well as road races throughout the country. Current and former Cruisers hold national records and have represented the United States at the international level on World Championship Teams, Junior National Teams, and Paraylmpic Teams.
Wave Swim Team
The WAVE swim team is open to any swimmer with a physical disability who wishes to compete. Swimmers must be independent in the water to compete in local, regional and national competitions. WAVE swim team members practice weekly at the Aquatic Rehabilitation Center and Center Swim Team Membership is required.
Chargers Wheelchair Soccer Team
The Chargers Wheelchair Soccer Team holds regular weekly practices and competes against other wheelchair soccer teams locally and also competes at the Wheelchair Soccer National Tournament. Team members have a variety of disabilities including cerebral palsy, spina bifida, spinal cord injury, amputee, and acquired brain injury. All players compete using a wheelchair.
The list is always expanding! For more information on any of the sports programs contact:
Gail Corcoran
Sports Program Manager
(860) 832-6220
Hospital for Special Care
Community Health and Fitness Services
2150 Corbin Avenue
New Britain, CT 06053
