Hospital for Special Care’s Ivan Lendl Golf Classic Raises $111,000 to Fund 35th Anniversary of the Ivan Lendl Adaptive Sports Camp
June 3, 2025NEW BRITAIN, CT – Aiming high and swinging with purpose at the Ivan Lendl Golf Classic in honor of adaptive sports. The event was a major success due to the incredible support and participation from 144 golfers, and all of our sponsors, which led to $111,000 being raised. We would like to recognize our Platinum Sponsors, Webster Bank and KaestleBoos Architects, as well as our Gold Sponsor, The Flood Law Firm. The proceeds raised from the Classic provide a fun and inclusive atmosphere for youth to participate in recreational and competitive sports at the HFSC Ivan Lendl Adaptive Sports Camp. This year, camp will be taking place from July 28 – August 1 at University of St. Joseph.
The support shown towards the 35th Anniversary of the HFSC Ivan Lendl Adaptive Sports Camp honors the legacy of camp founder Janeace Slifka and her family. When Janeace and her son, Jonathan, who was born with Spina Bifida, realized there were no opportunities for children living with a wheelchair to experience a summer camp, they were determined to change that. Through the March of Dimes, Jonathan and Ivan Lendl were able to connect, and eventually the Slifka’s and Ivan partnered up to develop the first adaptive sports camp in New England. Crista Durand, HFSC President & CEO stated, “[Janeace] was a mom on a mission who wanted to see her son play sports, make friends and most importantly, have FUN. And she did just that.” In 1996, HFSC proudly continued Janeace’s mission for an inclusive camp and created an annual adaptive sports program that continues to prosper each year. Additionally, we are honored to share that Jonathon has taken on the role of the 2025 Golf Classic Chair.
As we prepare to celebrate 35 years of the HFSC Ivan Lendl Adaptive Sports Camp, we are thrilled in making this a memorable experience for athletes living with a physical disability or autism spectrum disorder. Our goal is to provide a space where athletes can explore different sports while building peer connections, creativity, and of course, have fun! This year, the Ivan Lendl Adaptive Sports Camp will be having themed days including a petting zoo, carnival, and an alumni day. This special alumni day will take place on Friday, August 1, where Ivan Lendl and the Slifka family will visit.
A special thanks to our Silver Sponsors, the Treadwell Corporation, the Lockton Corporation, Downes Construction, Stockman O’Connor, All Waste, Ambulance Service of Manchester, and the Johnson Family. In addition, we recognize our Bronze Sponsors, Clifton Larson Allen, Aetna Insurance, the Hartford Yard Goats, and Middletown Toyota. Lastly, thank you to our Partner Sponsor, Janeace and Robert Slifka, whom this would not be possible without!