Gaylord Gauntlet

Gaylord Gauntlet Featured Sports Association Athlete

Each year, an athlete is selected to be the featured Gaylord Sports Association Athlete!  The featured athlete completes the race with the support of the Gaylord Sports Association Gauntlet Team.  The team typically includes a recreational therapist, physical therapist, occupational therapist, and other supporting team members such as a belay team. We provide adaptive equipment as needed such as an all-terrain chair to navigate the course and a climbing harness with a belay team for safety.  The team meets prior to race day to discuss race techniques, safety and to practice skills that will be needed on race day. The athlete and team compete on the same course and obstacles as all the Gauntlet racers!  

The Gaylord Sports Association featured athlete is selected by the Sports Association Gauntlet Team.  Featured athletes are typically someone who has recently been a patient at Gaylord and who would not be able to complete the race without the support of a therapy based team and/or use of specialized adaptive equipment. Past featured athletes have included athletes with a spinal cord injury, amputation, stroke or other mobility impairment.

If you are interested in being considered as the Gaylord Gauntlet Featured Athlete, please contact the Gaylord Sports Association at sports@gaylord.org or 203-284-2772.

NEW for 2022 - Gaylord Gauntlet Adaptive Athlete Sponsorship 

The Gaylord Gauntlet has always supported athletes of all abilities, and this year, we would like to help support two athletes from outside of CT who would not otherwise have the opportunity to participate in this event!  We are offering two sponsorships which will cover race fees and lodging for the athlete and team.  

This sponsorship is for athletes who are able to organize their own support team and have access to any equipment that is needed to compete in the race. The chosen athlete and team will be responsible for all aspects of competing on the course including equipment needed and teammates who can provide assistance if needed.  Assistance is not provided on the course for the sponsored adaptive athlete and obstacles are not modified for wheelchair accessibility.  Teammates must be identified at time of application. Race Information for Adaptive Athletes (What to Expect, the Course, How to Prepare, Safety) is provided HERE.  

The sponsorship will include:

• Race Entry Fees for the athlete and up to four (4) supporting team members
• Lodging (up to 3 hotel rooms for athlete and team members). Additional rooms will be available directly from the hotel.
• Food stipend for post event meal for you and your team at the festival area
• All racers (including all your team members) will receive an event T-shirt, and bracelet for a post event drink (beer if over 21 or sport drink).  Please see the event FAQ’s for more information.

Who can apply for the sponsorship?

• Athlete with a physical disability (may be ambulatory or wheelchair level)
• Age 16 and Up
• Athlete must reside outside of CT
• Previous experience in obstacle course racing not required.
• You are ready for the challenge of the Gaylord Gauntlet!

How to Apply:

All interested applicants should submit an online application HERE. Applications are due by May 7, 2022.

Questions:  

For additional questions or more specific information, please contact the Gaylord Sports Association at sports@gaylord.org or 203-284-2772.