Event Overview

The Great Lakes Games In partnership with The Hartford is a premier multi-day adaptive sports competition bringing together beginner through elite-level athletes with physical, visual, and intellectual disabilities. Hosted by GLASA, this event serves as both a high-level competition and a developmental pathway into Paralympic sport opportunities.

Athletes from across the country gather for an inclusive, high-energy environment that promotes competition, community, and athletic excellence across multiple adaptive sport disciplines.

Sports Offered

The Great Lakes Games feature a full slate of adaptive and Paralympic-style competitions, including:
- Archery
- Boccia
- Duathlon
- Para Pickleball
- Para Powerlifting
- Shooting
- Swimming
- Track & Field (World Para Athletics recognized events)

Who Can Participate

This event is open to athletes ages 7+ who meet classification standards for physical, visual, and/or intellectual disabilities. Both emerging and elite athletes are encouraged to participate.

Athletes competing in Track & Field must be registered with USATF. A National Classification Panel will also be available for eligible sports including Track, Field, and Swimming.

Key Features
- Multi-day competitive format across multiple adaptive sports
- Developmental and elite competition pathways
- National classification opportunities
- Paralympic-aligned event structure
- Volunteer-supported, community-driven event experience

Registration Information

Registration is required for all athletes and coaches.

- Early Bird Registration: $50 (through March 31, 2026)
- Regular Registration: $60 (April 1 – May 15, 2026)
- Late Registration: $100 (May 16 – May 25, 2026)
- Coach Registration: $30

Scholarships available and free registration for veterans (contact GLASA for eligibility details).

Volunteer Opportunities

The Great Lakes Games rely on hundreds of volunteers each year to support logistics, sport operations, registration, awards, and athlete services. Volunteers receive on-site training and an official event T-shirt.

Leadership and specialized volunteer roles are also available for those looking to take on greater involvement.

Why It Matters

The Great Lakes Games serve as a critical entry point and progression pathway for adaptive athletes—helping bridge recreational sport participation with national and international competition opportunities.

LOCATIONS:
ACE PICKLEBALL- DES PLAINES: 727 W GOLF RD., DES PLAINES, IL 60010
NORTH SHORE SPORTS CLUB: 28392 BALLARD DR, LAKE FOREST, IL 60045
HOST HOTEL: HILTON CHICAGO/NORTHBROOK: 2855 MILWAUKEE AVE. NORTHBROOK, IL 60062
LOYOLA ACADEMY: 1100 LARAMIE AVE. WILMETTE, IL 60091
LOYOLA MUNZ CAMPUS: 1901 JONHS DR. GLENVIEW, IL 60025
HARMS WOOD - NORTH - PICNIC GROVE #6: MORTON GROVE, IL 60053
A.C. NIELSEN TENNIS CENTER: 530 HIBBARD ROAD, WINNETKA, IL 60093
EVANSTON HIGH SCHOOL: 1600 DODGE AVE, EVANSTON, IL 60201