CrossFit Dartmouth Becomes Second Gym in America Chosen for Special Olympics Pilot

CrossFit Dartmouth owner Justin Coelho said a connection that started at Dartmouth High School has grown into a new partnership with the Massachusetts Special Olympics that could become a nationwide model for inclusive fitness programs.

Coelho was contacted by former Dartmouth hockey coach, Mike Capello, who is an adaptive physical education teacher in the district. Capello recently floated out the idea of having Crossfit Dartmouth help pilot Fitness for Life, an exercise program connected to Special Olympics. The Crossfit Dartmouth ownership, coaches and community jumped at the chance. CrossFit Dartmouth is only the second gym in the United States chosen to pilot the program, working directly with Massachusetts Special Olympians.

How Fitness For Life Works

The pilot runs in three 12 week sessions throughout the year. Athletes meet once a week for an hour. The first session focuses on adults ages 18 and older, and Coelho said the program could expand to younger athletes once it is established.

Why This Program Matters After Graduation

Coelho said once athletes leave the school system, the available resources and structured activity options quickly shrink . The goal is to reintroduce consistent training and community support for adults who may not have many fitness outlets.

What Athletes Are Doing In Class

Seventeen athletes signed up for the first session, ranging from their mid 20s to 64 years old, with varying levels of disability. Some compete in Special Olympics organized sports and others do not. Workouts are scaled like an intro CrossFit class and include movements like sled pushes, sled pulls, deadlifts, and burpees. The group completed baseline testing at the start, and they will test again after 12 weeks to track improvement.

Coelho is leading the sessions with coaches Dr. Kerry Gowell, Allison Klinman, and other CFD volunteers. He said the energy has been immediate and contagious. "It’s the best hour of my day,” said Coelho. “You’ll have them doing burpees and they’ll give you a hug right after they’re done. It’s pretty amazing.”