FargoMania showcases talents of those with disabilities

Hundreds of athletes, volunteers and fans came out to FargoMania Fitness Competition.

FargoMania gives the opportunity for athletes with disabilities or special needs to show off their talent and strength in an adapted fitness competition.

"It was the best," said Abbigail Pahl, a FargoMania competitor.

The smile across Pahl’s face as she wrapped up the first event is worth a thousand words.

"I did row racing, and the I lifted the dumbbell up in the air, and then I did squats,” said Pahl. “I did like 20 squats."

Jackie Long is a three-time competitor at FargoMania.

She says her favorite part is the support she sees every year.

But she says this event is particularly important to her because of how it makes her feel.

"I felt strong,” said Long. “I built up my momentum and my self esteem. It makes me feel good about myself."

Athletes say it's a unique experience that they don't often see.

"A lot of times, they don't have those opportunities to go and be on a team whether your playing softball or volleyball,” said Tim Frie, TNT Kid’s Fitness & Gymnastics Communications Specialist. “It gives them the opportunity to be a part of a team and support their teammates.”

Organizations teamed up to show how these athletes are just as capable as any other person.

"I think supporting our community that has special needs is just a wonderful thing,” said Deb DeBates, mother of competitor, Micah DeBates. “They should have the same kind of opportunities as everybody else. Micah has gone since he was three or four, but it’s almost been like a second home for him."

When all is said and done, it's about a memory the athletes will remember for a lifetime.

FargoMania Info: http://www.tntkidsfitness.org/events-0/fargomania

Special Needs Programs: http://www.tntkidsfitness.org/special-needs