Hero Behind the Cape: Amber - Code Name: Event Maestro

When Kathy walks into a school, it’s not just another visit—it’s a mission. Known affectionately by her superhero name Captain Connect, Kathy doesn’t wear a cape (well, not every day), but she does carry something just as powerful: the ability to truly listen. And when she listens, magic happens. As the lead advocate for ABLE in School, Kathy isn’t just selling a curriculum; she’s helping schools unlock a movement. “ABLE in School isn’t a program you add on to meet a checkbox,” she says. “It’s a peer-to-peer curriculum that redefines physical education by prioritizing movement, mentorship, and meaning.” What makes ABLE in School unique? It’s built for all students; those with disabilities and those without. Through inclusive, functional movement and cooperative learning, it teaches students how to move their bodies and their hearts. It cultivates leadership, empathy, confidence, and resilience in every participant. “Educators often think ABLE is just for students with special needs,” Kathy shares. “But the moment they realize it helps every student grow—that’s when I see the lightbulb go off. That’s the ‘aha’ moment. ABLE teaches connection, and that’s something every school needs.” Kathy’s sidekick on many of these school missions is none other than ABLE Games Director Nate Hendrickson, whose boundless energy and connection with students bring the curriculum to life. Together, they demonstrate what belonging through movement really looks like—and how powerful it can be in transforming school culture. What Does ABLE in School Do? • Provides a ready-to-use, standards-aligned physical education curriculum that fosters inclusion. • Empowers peer partners to support students of all abilities through guided activities. • Builds confidence, empathy, and leadership in students. • Delivers measurable outcomes in functional movement and social-emotional development. • Offers training and resources to support educators with real-life implementation. And it’s not just theory; Kathy has seen real transformation. “One of my favorite parts is watching peer mentors interact with students with special needs. They form genuine bonds. After class, many of them tell me they want to go into special education. That’s not just impact - that’s legacy.” Why Should Your School Join the ABLE Movement? Because every school deserves a PE program that reflects its commitment to equity and growth for every learner. Because your students deserve to experience the joy of belonging. Because ABLE doesn’t just support a few students; it changes the way all students see each other and themselves. ABLE in School is already making waves across the region and Kathy’s dream is to take it nationwide. “I imagine a day when every school in America sees inclusion not as a challenge, but as the standard and ABLE is the reason why.” So the next time Kathy laces up her sneakers and heads into a gym, she’s not just visiting, she’s building a future where every student is seen, valued, and included. Want to bring ABLE in School to your district? Join the movement! Contact Kathy (aka Captain Connect) today and learn how your school can become a champion of inclusion. Kathy Klath kathy@tntkidsfitness.org ableinschool.org

The fifth annual ABLE Games was an absolute blast! This all-inclusive test of functional fitness brought together athletes of ALL abilities, from highly skilled competitors to those with special needs. Over two incredible days, students competed on Friday and adults on Saturday, showcasing their talents and determination. With 200 teams giving their all and 250 amazing volunteers making the event possible, the spirit of competition and camaraderie was truly alive. Athletes of all skill levels competed in teams of two, vying for first, second, and third place in their respective divisions. A huge shoutout to our fantastic sponsors – we couldn't have done this without you! Your support has made our inclusive functional fitness competition possible, and we are incredibly grateful. As we continue to support TNT Kid’s Fitness mission of unlocking potential through movement, we celebrate athletes of all abilities by providing them with the opportunity to compete side by side on one competition floor. No barriers, just athletes giving it their all. Here's to many more years of celebrating abilities and breaking boundaries!

At TNT Kid’s Fitness, every child has the chance to unlock their superpowers—and Brooke and Rylee are perfect examples of what happens when kids are empowered to grow, lead, and soar. As proud (almost) graduates of our SOAR (Students of All Abilities Respected) after-school program, Brooke and Rylee have transformed from participants into role models. Throughout their time in SOAR, they’ve embraced everything the program stands for: inclusion, choice, confidence, and connection. During daily gym rotations, Rylee often takes the lead—stepping up to coach younger kids through gymnastics stations with enthusiasm and encouragement. It's a powerful thing to witness: a student becoming a leader and using their experience to lift others up. Brooke also shines by bringing joy and friendship wherever she goes. Both girls love that they get to choose activities that interest them, meet new friends, and try new things every day. Coach Noah, who helps manage the SOAR team, shared how meaningful it is to watch students like Brooke and Rylee thrive. “One of the coolest things is watching older kids like Rylee step into a teaching role naturally. When you see them guiding others with patience and pride, you know the program is doing exactly what it’s meant to do.” From school pickups to gymnastics games, SOAR is more than just an after-school program—it’s a launchpad for students of all abilities. And with young leaders like Brooke and Rylee paving the way, the future is looking super.

When Nate walks into a room, you don’t just see leadership — you feel it. Maybe it’s the playful energizer bunny aura, the calm confidence, the way he makes everyone feel seen, or the fact that he truly believes in the power of inclusion. If he were a superhero — and many at TNT would argue he already is — his name would be “See All.” Not because he needs X-ray vision or telepathy, but because he has the rare ability to truly notice people: to see a need, understand it, and act. That, in Nate’s eyes, is what makes a hero. This month, as TNT Kids Fitness & Gymnastics celebrates the massive success of ABLE Games, we wanted to highlight one of the many passionate people behind it. Nate’s not the type to take center stage (unless he's stepping up to save the day) — in fact, he spent most of the weekend shaking hands, cheering on athletes, and keeping spirits high from the floor to the podium. But behind his easy smile and black coffee, is a mission that runs deep. A Mission Bigger Than a Moment “To me, inclusion is more than bringing someone into a space,” Nate says. “It’s helping each person recognize the value they bring to the group.” ABLE Games has evolved from Fargo Mania, a CrossFit fitness program, into one of the Midwest’s most inclusive fitness competitions. The idea stemmed from now retired NFL player, Connor McGovern, having a heart for an inclusive cause. And while he credits his co-leader Leslie and the event team for the heavy lifting of planning, Nate has long been the emotional compass. He’s the “soundboard” behind the logistics. The support. The cheerleader. The heartbeat. When asked about his favorite part of the event, he can’t pick just one. That’s not Nate’s style. Instead, he talks about the love — the pure, human kind that shows up when athletes support each other, when volunteers cheer like family, when inclusion doesn’t feel like an initiative but like a natural part of who we are. “It's seeing humanity in its sincerest form,” he says. “If I had to label the outcome, it’s love.” The Real Power Behind the Games This year, Nate stepped into a new role as an emcee, trading his usual on-the-floor athlete connection for the microphone. Still, he brought the same energy — part motivator, part celebrator, part connective thread — helping every person in the arena feel like they belonged there. “There’s a richness this community brings,” he reflects. “People with special needs are so often seen as needing something — but they give something, too. They contribute, and they should have the chance to share their gifts just like anyone else.” He shares moments that still bring him joy: athletes high-fiving, tearing off their shirts in celebration, or finishing a race hand-in-hand. “That nature, that drive to fully compete,” he says. “When else do they get to show this true competitive nature and spirit? At ABLE Games, no one gets left behind.” A Community Superpower To Nate, movement is more than fitness. It’s daily life. It’s transformation. It’s a language of love and growth. “If there’s even a spark — a little spark — that gets someone moving more, or supporting their child to move, that’s a win,” he says. “Movement supports our psychological nature just as much as our physical health.” He hopes families leave ABLE Games feeling lighter — not just physically, but emotionally. Like they’ve tapped into a new spirit, a renewed belief in what’s possible. Advice From a Real-Life Hero "If you want to be a hero for inclusion", Nate says, "don’t start with a mission statement or an Instagram post. Start with eye contact. A hello. A true desire to understand. " “There has to be a true respect for the individuals you're seeking to include. Individuals of special needs have no need or care for your Facebook post. They have no need or care for an Instagram click or whatever.” he says simply. “You're either true or you're not. And there's no faking it. It has to start with your heart.”

If you’ve noticed a little extra buzz in the gym lately — it’s not just the energy of our athletes. We’re installing a new floor (more updates to come on this), and are so grateful to our generous donors on Giving Hearts Day for helping us raise money for a new floor! That's not the only change you can expect, we are expanding our space to better support inclusion through a brand-new SOAR Suite, thanks to generous grant funding from the state’s Inclusion Support Program! SOAR (Students of All Abilities Respected) is TNT's inclusive after-school and summer program designed for students of all abilities, with a lower staff-to-student ratio to provide individualized support. Through movement-based activities, friendships, and leadership opportunities, SOAR empowers kids to grow, learn, and shine together. This exciting addition includes a dedicated sensory space designed for moments of calm when kids need a break from the gym’s high energy, complete with sound-dampening panels that create a peaceful retreat. We’re also adding a classroom-style area where participants in our SOAR and No Bummer Summer programs can enjoy more structured, station-based activities — including an art zone, movement area, and space for active bodies to keep growing. All of our regular programming will continue without interruption during the updates. We can’t wait to welcome our athletes into this new and updated, inclusive space built just for you!