Empower Sports Network Powerlifting Team Set to Open Season at Regional Competition

After nearly a year of preparation, the Empower Sports Network Powerlifting Team is ready to take the platform.

On April 11th, the team will compete in the Powerlifting Regional at the SONJ Complex — the first competition of the season and a critical qualifier for the State Championships.

But for this team, this meet represents more than just a starting point.

It’s the moment where a year of hard work, discipline, and growth finally gets put on display.

A Year in the Making

For close to a year, the team has been training consistently out of NUYU Fitness in Ocean Township, following individualized programs designed to help each athlete grow not only in strength, but in independence.

Each athlete works through their own program using an app — building the ability to take ownership of their training, set goals, and track progress.

And now, they’re ready.

“They’re all locked in right now,” said Coach Sam Kiningham. “This is the most focused I’ve seen them. We’re expecting some big lifts across the board.”

Meet the Lifters

This year’s team features three athletes, each bringing a unique story and momentum into the competition:

• Abby Dwyer — A veteran of the team and one of its original lifters, Abby is entering her third year of competition. After months of focused training, her dedication is beginning to show in a big way.

• Jordan Schiavello — In his first year with the team, Jordan has already made major strides. His rapid improvement has set the stage for what could be a breakout performance.

• Dante Canzona — Taking his training to another level this year, Dante has been preparing for the Special Olympics USA Games. This competition marks his return to the platform — and notably, his first time competing in the squat.

“All three of them are coming in ready,” said Kiningham. “They’ve put in the work, and now it’s their time to show it.”

More Than Strength

While the competition will test their abilities in bench press, deadlift, and squat, the true impact of powerlifting goes far beyond the numbers.

Through training, the athletes have developed:

• Greater confidence

• Stronger social skills

• Leadership abilities

• A deeper focus on achieving their goals

Stepping onto the platform is more than just competing — it’s a reflection of their growth.

“It’s a sign of their confidence,” Kiningham said. “Getting on that platform shows how far they’ve come and how much they’ve grown.”

A Key Step for Dante

For Dante Canzona, this competition carries even more weight.

With the Special Olympics USA Games on the horizon, this meet provides a crucial opportunity to gain experience competing in front of a crowd — something that can’t be replicated in training.

“The more experience he gets on the platform, the better he’s going to be,” Kiningham said. “He’s been working toward this for a long time, and he’s ready.”

A Team That Lifts Together

One of the defining traits of the Empower Sports Network is its culture.

This is a team that supports one another — pushing through workouts together, celebrating progress, and building each other up every step of the way.

That connection is part of what makes this group special.

Building Something Bigger

At its core, Empower Sports Network is about more than competition.

It’s about creating opportunities, building independence, and helping athletes grow into confident individuals both on and off the platform.

As Kiningham puts it:

“At Empower Sports Network, we don’t just build athletes — we build confidence, independence, and leaders.”

April 11: The Platform Awaits

With months of preparation behind them and big goals ahead, the team is ready to step into the spotlight.

The Powerlifting Regional isn’t just the start of the season — it’s the beginning of something bigger.

And if their training is any indication, this is a team worth watching.