BISMARCK, ND ( KXNET ) — This year was the 53rd Annual Ms. Wheelchair America competition in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and for the very first time, a North Dakotan was there to vie for the crown.

Agatha Gietzen, who lives in Bismarck and works at the YMCA, took the long trip to Michigan to compete against 22 other women from across the nation. Participants were judged on their achievements in communication, presentation and their advocacy for people with disabilities.

Before she took the journey to Michigan, Gietzen worked hard at fundraising and finding organizations to sponsor her trip. She had a year-long commitment to achieve her goal of competing in the event.

When she finally made it to the stage at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel in Grand Rapids, Gietzen addressed a large audience of supporters, and spoke about her passion for connecting with others and helping other disabled people overcome the same obstacles she’s had to face.

“My platform is, if you embrace us as we are, you’ll see a sky full of stars. It’s because who is the woman in the wheelchair? Is she happy? Is she kind? What is her self-worth?” she told the audience.

During the presentation competition of the event, Gietzen, spoke about her beliefs on why more people with disabilities need to get involved in their communities to make a difference.

“We all have abilities to change the world for the better. That would include changing the by-laws in our states, and that includes inclusion,” said Gietzen.

She says she has used her platform to reach-out to others in the state who are working on improving accessibility to services for disabled people across North Dakota.

“I want to support laws that help people with disabilities and make life better for them, so they’re not struggling,” expressed Gietzen.

Gietzen says all of the other women who competed at this year’s Ms. Wheelchair America are also committed to speaking up for those who face daily struggles, and hope to inspire them to achieve their goals.

“A lot of people think this program is about beauty, but it’s really not. It’s about how much advocacy and how much you know about the people in the disability world.”

Gietzen says that although Ms. Wheelchair America was a great experience, the event was not an opportunity to showcase herself, but rather to inspire others to embrace their challenges and overcome them, as she says that she doesn’t allow her disability to keep her from living an active life.

She volunteers her time in several community organizations and events, including Dreams In Motion Adaptive Sports and the annual McQuades Charity Softball Tournament held each year in Bismarck.

“I do adaptive sports, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair tennis, downhill skiing, and sled hockey,” said Gietzen.

Although she did not win the national crown, she says it was an honor to be the first woman to represent North Dakota in the event and learn from the other women she competed against.

“It was just incredible to talk to these ladies because they know what I am going through and they understand, so that was the most amazing part,” said Gietzen.

Gietzen doesn’t want the competition to end with her and plans to continue efforts to get more North Dakota women involved in the event in the coming years.

“I’m glad North Dakota is on the map. It’s out there. I think there’s a need for it. Hopefully, I can inspire someone on this. It was a fun experience,” she said.

Although the event is over, Gietzen’s work is not finished. She says she will continue to be an advocate for the disabled living in North Dakota.

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

Today's Top Stories

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KX NEWS.