West Michigan is the site of the Hartford National, a competition for athletes with disabilities.

Nearly 500 athletes of all ages from around the country are heading to Grand Rapids to compete in several sports, including swimming, para-powerlifting, track and field, and wheelchair and para-standing tennis.

Move United’s Sean Butcher tells us the event has quite an impact.

“For anybody, regardless of whether you’re disabled or not disabled, it’s just an impactful activity for you,” Butcher said. “You learn leadership, you learn communication. And for us, for the Move United community, it’s really just showcasing what people are capable of doing.”

Butcher says a lot of para-olympians are competing. The event pumps $2 million into the West Michigan economy.