National Adaptive Sports Competition will expand to include adult athletes
Move over junior athletes, the adults are returning to the Nationals.
Move United recently announced that the 2023 Move United Nationals will be heading to the Hoover / Birmingham, Alabama area July 8-15.
A national wheelchair sports competition for adult athletes originally began in 1957 and continued through 1995. Junior athletes started competing in 1985 and that event, the Move United Junior Nationals, still continues to this day and is scheduled for July 16-22 in Colorado.
Those two events are now merging together starting with the 2023 season in the hopes that it will encourage adult athletes, veterans and Paralympians to join the existing youth competitors.
“There is a real need for additional opportunities for adaptive athletes over the age of 22 to not only come together but also to compete,” said Move United Executive Director Glenn Merry. “We are excited to provide a platform for all athletes in our community to showcase their talent starting next year.”
The event organizers boast a potential for more than 400 adult and junior athletes with and coaches are expected to participate in the he weeklong event which includes competitions, clinics and education and social opportunities.
The sports that will be contested include archery, para powerlifting, paratriathlon, shooting, swimming, track and field and wheelchair tennis.
Move United selected the City of Hoover to host the 2023 and 2024 competition after a nationwide bid process. The local organizing committee that will host and spearhead the event include the City of Hoover, Lakeshore Foundation, and Birmingham Convention and Visitors Bureau.
“As one of the most diverse cities in Alabama, the City of Hoover makes an intentional effort to make sure everyone feels included and empowered,” says Hoover Mayor Frank V. Brocato. “We are excited to share our facilities with the Move United team and those of all abilities. We also look forward to welcoming all of the athletes to our area and showing them an experience filled with smiles and southern charm.”
For more information about the Move United Nationals, visit moveunitednationals.org.