In the accompanying image, athletes and coaches from CFFF stand proudly, ready to represent their community on the Able Games stage. (From left to right, the individuals featured are: Becca Michaels, Justin Saurer, Dominic Beving, Kaden Conklin, Eliza Robertson, Isaac Billings, Taylor Rustand, Hailey Haarstad, Angela Haarstad, Sharla Mitchell, Pam Willander, Sophia England, and Aja Robertson. Not pictured: Brian VanVoorhis.)
On April 5th and 6th, Lake Region Healthcare’s CrossFit Fergus Falls (CFFF) gym at Unity Wellness will proudly send 12 athletes and two coaches to compete in the Co-Ability division of the highly anticipated Able Games.
Hosted at the Cornerstone Bank Arena in Fargo, this event promises to highlight the capabilities and strength of athletes with diverse abilities.
In a unique format, athletes are paired in teams of two, comprising one skilled athlete and one athlete with special needs.
Together, they will tackle five prescribed workouts, showcasing not only their physical prowess but also the power of teamwork and inclusivity.
The Able Games, recognized as the region’s premier all-inclusive functional fitness competition, embodies the spirit of promoting diversity and physical activity for all individuals.
Behind the scenes, the event is organized by TNT Fitness in Fargo and supported by NFL player and North Dakota Native, Connor McGovern.
McGovern, a passionate advocate for inclusivity in sports, emphasized the importance of providing everyone with the opportunity to experience the joy of physical activity.
“The thrill of competing, working tirelessly toward a goal, and ultimately achieving it is an experience like no other,” remarked McGovern.
Natalie Knutson, Wellness Director at CFFF, expressed the gym’s longstanding support for the Able Games, particularly in backing athletes from Fergus Falls schools who have participated in previous editions.
However, this year marks a significant milestone as CFFF formally developed a program to train co-ability athletes together in preparation for the competition, underscoring their commitment to inclusivity and community engagement.
To learn more about the Able Games, interested individuals can visit the official website at www.ablegames.org.
For additional information on Unity Wellness and CrossFit Fergus Falls, please visit https://wellness.lrhc.org.
About Lake Region Healthcare Enterprise:
Lake Region Healthcare (LRH) is an independent, community-owned, and governed non-profit healthcare organization headquartered in Fergus Falls, MN. Serving primarily five counties in west-central Minnesota and eastern North Dakota, LRH operates two hospitals, 10 clinics, a cancer center, a senior living community (Mill Street Residence), and various health and wellness-related ventures. With a dedicated team of over 1,100 employees and 120 Physicians and Advance Practice Providers, LRH is committed to delivering exceptional healthcare services close to home. For more information, visit www.lrhc.org and https://millstreet.lrhc.org.
Mission: We partner to enrich life through health.
Vision: We will create an exceptional, innovative, and personal healthcare experience that allows people to excel and our communities to thrive.
Values: Excellence, Person-Centered, Collaboration, Stewardship, Integrity, Respect, Innovation.