Submitted Photo From left to right are Brent Lohnes, Hess North Dakota general manager; and Paige Melby, Krystal Butgeriet, Kaari Pieper, Chad Thompson and Angie Thompson, all of Prairie Grit Adaptive Sports.

With substantial support from Hess Corporation, Prairie Grit Adaptive Sports will add new activities to its already full schedule of summer sports and recreational opportunities for special needs youth, adults, and their families.

The gift of $15,000 from Hess will be used for supplies needed for each activity. Prairie Grit has already used the Hess donation for its first Adaptive Easter Egg Hunt held in early April. Over 1,200 eggs were hidden by volunteers making the activity acce3ezation whose mission is to provide sports opportunities for youth and adults living with physical and mental disabilities to enhance their quality of life.

“During the summer months, kids’ schedules fill up with activities, sports, and camps. Our goal is to create these same opportunities for youth and adults living with physical disabilities to have a full summer schedule as well,” said Krystal Butgeriet, executive director of Prairie Grit Adaptive Sports. “With Hess’s support, we can purchase the supplies we need to help children reach their full potential and have fun doing so. Our summer schedule is full of some activities we’ve done for many years, and some new offerings. Our hope is that every athlete can find something they love.”

Brent Lohnes, Hess North Dakota general manager, said, “Prairie Grit works diligently to meet the needs of their athletes and level the playing field, giving everyone a chance to participate and compete. Many of our colleagues at Hess participate, volunteer and support Prairie Grit activities.”

Lohnes added, “Hess’s mission is to be the most trusted energy partner wherever we operate and positively impact the communities where we live and work. We are proud to support this organization as they expand their programming in the community.”