On Friday and Saturday, Nov. 13‑14, West Fargo’s Butler Arena at the Fairgrounds hosted the sixth annual ABLE Games, a CrossFit‑style competition that brings together athletes of all abilities. A total of 150 athletes representing 14 schools participated, with middle‑school competitors training for weeks before the event.

Founder Connor McGovern, a Fargo native and former NFL player, addressed the athletes before the competition, saying, “Who you really are and where you can grow, you can push past that little bit of hurt and little bit of pain, it will be worth it, I promise you that.” McGovern added that the event is one of the “most special” he looks forward to each year because of its impact on students, athletes, and families.

Among the participants was Ty Currier of Moorhead, part of the “Limitless Duo” with partner Hendricks. Currier said, “It was really cool to have everyone here to support me and my partner.” Wyatt Burggraff, a Horizon Middle School student, also praised the inclusive atmosphere, noting, “Anyone can do anything. They can be anything they want and do anything they want.”

Parents in the stands echoed the sentiment. Chelsea Currier remarked, “It is a lot of fun to see all these athletes of all abilities competing and cheering everybody on, it is amazing.” Lauren Swenson observed, “I think they learn all kids can do all things as long as they put their hearts into it and they have fun.”

Adult athletes are scheduled to compete Saturday at 10 a.m., extending the day’s celebration of inclusion. ABLE Games has expanded beyond the annual event, offering programming in schools throughout the region, where inclusive physical‑education classes often feed into the competition, McGovern said.

The event underscores the community’s commitment to providing opportunities for every child, regardless of ability, and highlights the growing partnership between local schools and the ABLE Games organization.

Sources: inforum.com, inforum.com, inforum.com