Competition without limits | Connor McGovern | TEDxFargo

What if competition didn't leave people out, but helped everyone discover what they're capable of?

Nine-year NFL veteran and Able Games founder Conner McGovern explores how competition and inclusion can coexist. After creating The Able Games, a fitness competition where athletes of all abilities compete side by side, McGovern saw firsthand how competition can build confidence, reveal unexpected potential, and bring people together. He takes that idea into schools through an AI-powered tool designed to help teachers create more inclusive physical education. His story offers a powerful challenge to rethink who gets to compete, and what becomes possible when everyone gets a chance to play. I am a 9 year NFL veteran that has recently retired. I am born and raised in Fargo, ND. As my NFL career was taking off I wanted to use my platform to help the community of Fargo. I had the privilege of working with the Special Olympics in college. It ignited a passion for a segment of the population that gets over looked. With the help of TNT and Kim Pladson we started Able games. This is an all inclusive fitness completion that gets chair athletes, athletes with Down Syndrome, and Crossfit Games athletes on the same floor. That has grown into ABLE in School. This is a school program that allows the schools to implement these same principles and programs into their PE courses. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx