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 Hospital for 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 Hospital for 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 living with disabilities.
At Hospital for Special Care we believe that people with disabilities should have every opportunity to pursue their dreams.
Hospital for Special Care's Ivan Lendl Adaptive Sports Camp
The annual Special Care's Ivan Lendl Adaptive 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 & field. Instruction is provided by experienced athletes living with a disability, or disabilities who serve as role models for the campers.
Call (860) 832-6220 for more information!
HSC's Ivan Lendl Sports Camp Brochure
HSC's Ivan Lendl Sports Camp Health and Waiver Form
HSC's Ivan Lendl Sports Camp Medication Form
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 at Hospital for Special Care's Research and Education Center, 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.
www.ctspokebenders.com
Cruisers Track & Field and Racing Team
The Cruisers are a group of athletes competing in track & 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 as a part of World Championship Teams, Junior National Teams, and Paraylmpic Teams.
Wave Swim Team
The Wave swim team is open to any swimmer living with a physical disability who wish to compete. Swimmers must be physically independent in the water to compete in local, regional and national competitions. Swim team members practice weekly at HSC's Aquatic Rehabilitation Center (Wave 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 as well as at the Wheelchair Soccer National Tournament. Individuals living with such diagnosis as cerebral palsy, spina bifida, spinal cord injury, amputee, and acquired brain injury enjoy actively participating in this team sport. All players compete using a wheelchair.
The list is always expanding! For more information on any of the sports programs contact:
Please call 860-832-6220 for more information.
Hospital for Special Care
Community Health and Fitness Services
2150 Corbin Avenue
New Britain, CT 06053
