tears from the podium

The setting was familiar. She was sitting in the same gym she has been bringing her two daughters to since they were 3 years old. Perched on cold hard steel bleachers on the east end of Minot, Holly Haman was in a familiar place, but the emotions she was feeling were new – at least at Gymagic Gymnastics. “I was so nervous for them,” Holly recalls about that cold February day. Those feels were perfectly placed because for her and 7 other sets of parents this was a first. It was a monumental shift in the world of Minot gymnastics at Gymagic, as seven young athletes from Prairie Grit Adaptive Sports competed in their first-ever USA Gymnastics HUGS division. For these athletes, this was not just another event—it was the first time they competed on an equal stage with their peers in a USA Gymnastics-sanctioned event. Among them were sisters Emmalyn and Avalie Haman, who took first and seventh place in their division, marking a day full of firsts, triumphs, and emotional victories.

“They didn’t really understand the concept until we got there,” Holly says. “Their nerves kicked in, and they were like, ‘What is happening?’ They were excited, but really nervous because they didn’t quite grasp it until we arrived.” Despite the initial jitters, it wasn’t long before the Haman sisters began to feel the weight of the moment. Competing in front of a crowd, with the eyes of judges upon them, was an entirely new experience, one that would soon turn into a cherished memory.

Avalie Haman competing in the beam at the first HUGS division in Minot in 2024.

For Holly, the emotions were overwhelming. “We had mixed emotions,” she shares. “I was nervous for them, just hoping they would have fun. But I was proud. We felt grateful that they were included—part of something bigger than they’ve ever been part of before. My husband was nervous too, worried they might feel overwhelmed, but in the end, it all turned out great.”

And great it was. As Holly watched her daughters stand on the podium next to their friends that joined them every Sunday at Gymagic for Adaptive Gymnastics. Emmalyn in first, Avalie in seventh—the flood of pride and joy was unmistakable. “I started crying. I was so happy and proud of them. Their smiles said it all. Just feeling the inclusion and seeing them have that opportunity—it was amazing. It was the coolest thing ever.” For Holly, who grew up watching competitive gymnastics, seeing her daughters not only participate but thrive in this environment was a dream come true. “Emmalyn doesn’t let anyone forget she took first, always reminding Avalie,” Holly laughs. “But both of them are so proud—they talk about the experience every week.”

The journey to this moment was a long one, starting when the Haman sisters first began adaptive gymnastics with Prairie Grit Adaptive Sports. “As soon as they were old enough, they started,” Holly explains. “Emmalyn was the first, and as soon as Avalie turned three, she joined too. Gymnastics was their first sport with Prairie Grit, and it’s still one of their top favorites.”

As Holly reflects on their path, she marvels at how far they’ve come. “I never imagined they would have the chance to compete in gymnastics like this,” she says. “I thought maybe soccer would be a better fit because of Avalie’s hand, but adaptive sports have opened up so many possibilities. Competing with their peers—doing something I never thought possible—it’s an experience I’ll never forget. When they’re with their Prairie Grit family, there’s so much acceptance, so much confidence. They just lean on each other.”

That sense of community was palpable throughout the event, as Gymagic Minot welcomed athletes, families, and friends to witness this historic competition. For Gymagic’s staff, the day was the culmination of months of preparation and dedication. Allison Thompson, one of the coaches at Gymagic, reflected on the significance of the moment. “We feel honored to be part of our adaptive gymnasts' lives. We have fantastic athletes who have excelled in gymnastics, and this event allowed us to showcase their abilities. It was life-changing for the athletes, their families, and our team.”

Thompson also highlighted the creativity required to make gymnastics accessible for all athletes, sharing how USA Gymnastics’ HUGS program provides guidance to accommodate different needs. “We developed routines based on each athlete’s skill level, sometimes using floor beams for security, adding mats to assist with bars, or modifying routines for medical reasons. It allowed us to celebrate each athlete’s personality and skill in a way that was both safe and fun.”

Emily Olson works the balance beam as her team looks on

The atmosphere during the event was nothing short of electric. “I don’t think there was a dry eye in the house,” Thompson adds. “The athletes were nervous at first, but from the judges to the audience, everyone was so supportive. Our gymnasts and their parents were beaming with pride.”

The impact of this event extended far beyond the athletes in the room. Other gyms from across North Dakota have since reached out to Gymagic, eager to start their own HUGS programs. “We hope to see at least two other gyms in the state join us next season,” Thompson says. “It’s exciting to watch this program grow.”

For Prairie Grit Adaptive Sports coach Averi Bradley, the event was the culmination of countless hours of hard work and determination. “It was stressful from a coaching standpoint because I knew how great they were,” Bradley shares. “I knew their limits, and I knew they could push themselves to those limits and they caught on right away. Even if they forgot something during their routines, they improvised. Watching them go out there and just do it—it was amazing.”

Bradley witnessed a whirlwind of emotions from the athletes as they performed. “This was their first time competing individually, and it was a rush of emotions for them,” she says. “They realized, ‘This is me. I might be different but look at me—I’m still on the podium. I still get a medal just like everyone else.’” The pride from the athletes and their families was undeniable.

For Bradley, this event is just the beginning. “This shows that adaptive gymnastics is possible on a much bigger scale. It gives these athletes independence and shows them that they’re capable of more than they ever thought. We can bring this to schools, communities, and beyond.”

As the event wrapped up, one thing was clear: the HUGS division is not just a competition. It’s a movement, a celebration of inclusion and ability, and a testament to the power of adaptive sports.

For the Haman sisters and their fellow athletes, the future is bright, full of possibilities that once seemed more like a wish – a dream – something made of “maybe’s” or “somedays”. That day is today. For anyone that can recall that day in February, if they look through the tearing eyes at those athletes at the podium, with flowers and medals, they see it clear as can be. Prairie Grit gymnastics changed that day in that familiar Gymagic gym. The bar was raised. This was more than just a gymnastics meet—it was a life-changing experience, one that will inspire athletes, families, and coaches for years to come.

To read more stories like this, check out our With Grit Annual Report.