ABLE in School is made possible through the leadership and partnership of Connor McGovern and TNT Kid's Fitness.

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From Fargo, North Dakota, NFL standout and New York Jets Center Connor McGovern has charted a remarkable journey from local athlete to national figure. His continued involvement with TNT  and ABLE reflects not only his professional success but also his deep commitment to giving back to the community that shaped him. McGovern’s support underscores a shared belief in the power of physical activity, inspiring the next generation and strengthening the mission at the heart of TNT 

 

Connor McGovern’s connection to TNT  & ABLE began through a longtime relationship rooted in Fargo, North Dakota. Kim Pladson, President and CEO of TNT Kid’s Fitness, and a close family friend of Connor’s parents, aunt, and uncle, reached out to him with an invitation that would ultimately shape a profound new chapter in his life. TNT, a uniquely inclusive gymnastics and fitness center, has long been dedicated to supporting children of all abilities in unlocking potential through movement. Its mission resonated deeply with Connor, whose own journey has been defined by physical activity, competition, and the pursuit of excellence.

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“For as long as I can remember, movement has been central to who I am,” Connor shared. “I couldn’t imagine a life without physical activity, so I want to make sure everybody has that opportunity. The thrill of competing, working tirelessly toward a goal, and ultimately achieving it is an experience like no other.”

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It was Kim who first introduced Connor to TNT’s special needs competition, a conversation that sparked the creation of the ABLE Games—a functional fitness competition designed for athletes of all abilities. The event quickly grew into a celebration of inclusion, strength, and community.

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But the impact didn’t stop there.

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How ABLE Games Inspired ABLE in School

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As enthusiasm for the ABLE Games spread, local public schools approached TNT with a forward‑looking request: Could the principles of inclusive movement, regulation, and confidence‑building be brought directly into their school physical education classes?

 

This question led directly to the development of ABLE in School.

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Inspired by the energy, connection, and dignity on display at ABLE Games, TNT designed ABLE in School as a school physical education model that brings inclusive movement into classrooms and gymnasiums. ABLE centers on peer‑to‑peer interactions, pairing students with special needs in regular physical education classes. This approach allows all children to experience ability, enjoy movement, deepen friendships, and build confidence throughout their school day.

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Many of these students later participate in the ABLE Games—further reinforcing a sense of belonging and accomplishment.

 

Expanding Opportunity, Strengthening Community

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Parents of children with disabilities consistently share that one of the most heartwarming outcomes of this ABLE is witnessing their child participate with peers from their class—sometimes for the first time—in ways they never thought possible.

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Today, ABLE in School continues to expand with more schools embracing the power of ABLE and the use of its valuable resources and tools. Connor and Kim remain committed to scaling their shared vision far beyond the Midwest. They are actively working to bring both ABLE™ to schools nationwide, ensuring that movement, empowerment, and inclusion are accessible to as many physical educators as possible.

 

Physical Educators play a vital role in the development of students. There is a reason it is a ‘required course’. Their day‑to‑day engagement is growing students into leaders, confident learners, and resilient individuals equipped with the skills to thrive both in and beyond the classroom. The physical education environment shapes all students’ understanding of their own abilities. By nurturing physical competence, social connection, and personal confidence, they help more students become productive, capable adults that prepares them each day and for their future.

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Connor McGovern was not only an NFL player; he is a champion for providing opportunities and human potential. “I didn’t want to just be a football player. I want to impact people’s lives for the positive.”