Chazz Fox grew up watching his sister do cheerleading, and decided he wanted in on the fun. But when his family switched to a gym in Coeur d’Alene, there was no program for the special-needs boy. So, he approached the gym owner, and started the All Abilities team.

Now, three years later, nine local special-needs kids ranging in age and ability level make up the All Abilities cheer team through the Spotlight Studios North Star gym near Huetter Road — and they’re winning competitions.

“They are able to perform with real technique and skill and they are so vibrant to watch,” said Spotlight Gym owner Stacey Steinwandel. “There is a complete need for this range of athletic pursuit for all needs people.”

The All Abilities team won its last two competitions in Spokane and Missoula, beating two other teams in Spokane and being the only all abilities team in Missoula.

Now the team is preparing for another competition in Spokane in two weeks.

“I’ve made tons of friends — it’s a really committed group,” said Fox, now 16, adding his favorite part of cheering is the tumbling and doing stunts.

He said the team has its sights set on the national cheer competition in Florida in May.

Fox’s older sister, Romey, and his mom, Suzy, volunteer for the team and assist in practices.

“Being disabled, he just wanted to fit in. When we came to Spotlight, it was motivating to see other boys doing cheer and getting acceptance from them,” Suzy said. “This group of kids we have now is so focused, so driven and so full of energy. I cry through the whole routine.”

Some kids on the All Abilities team can’t travel to competitions due to their condition, but they still want to participate in cheer.

Starting in the spring, Spotlight will be offering an All Abilities class as well as a competitive team.

“I was very excited to support this project and we feel that we’ll be able to serve so many more people with a class that everyone can participate in,” Steinwandel said. “We need to be focused on reaching every athlete in our community.”

For more information about the All Abilities team, contact Stacey Steinwandel and Spotlight Studios North Star at stacey@spotlightstudios.net.