Able Games promotes inclusion through exercise

Participants and organizers at the 2026 TNT Able Games (KVRR photo)

The Details

WEST FARGO (KFGO-KVRR) – The Able Games was founded by former NFL player, Connor McGovern who first attended a special Olympics weightlifting event, and was amazed at how strong those athletes were.

McGovern says his main goal with the Able Game is to show off capable they are in the world through exercise.

“It’s always more than worth it, it pays back ten times fold what you put in and what you get out. To see the impact it has on the athletes, on the athletes families, some of the best stories that the kids are way into sports, is what they talk about around the dinner table.”

There were over 10 schools from all over the state, including schools from Fargo, and Moorhead in attendance, doing exercise like chest presses, rowing, and pulldowns.

Co-Director of the Able Games Leslie Frie calls this event the largest attendance since its opening and says it’s helps the kids feel seen, and heard.

“It gives me chills, there’s nothing like it. The passion you see on the floor and inclusion, you feel it when you’re on the floor. It’s something you can’t describe, you see it you feel it.”

One of the kids who’s been participating since it started, Jake Peters always has lots of energy and wants to thank his parents and teachers for encouraging him to participate in able games.

“I feel happy for my able games, I’m so proud, thank you so much to able games. I’m so proud of me.” Participant Jake Peters said All of the participants and the volunteers wants other people to experience the joy on the kids faces and says seeing the event will leave a lasting impact on the community.