The 2021 ODS Open

Why We Volunteer with Open Door Sports and Why You Should Attend the ODS Open!
Student Ambassadors Libby Albus and Lily O'Hanlon, Class of 2022

My twin sister Hannah is the absolute best. She is sunshine and unicorns and rainbows...the happiest person I have ever met. She also has cerebral palsy, epilepsy, is legally blind and has an intellectual disability. While that all sounds scary and overwhelming, it has never felt that way at our house. As little kids, when she could barely walk, she was still motivated to join in on activities that I was doing. My parents noticed her desire and worked hard to get her involved in ballet, horseback riding, and Special Olympics basketball. With no after-school options available for kids with special needs, my mom founded a nonprofit called Open Door Sports (ODS) in 2017. I have participated in the programs, first as a volunteer peer buddy in middle school, where I was able to work one on one with the players and I eventually transitioned to an assistant coach. Working with these kids over the past four years has been some of the most rewarding experiences of my life. My sister Hannah didn't want anything to do with me at ODS so I was able to pair up with new kids, help them have fun, and succeed at something most of them had never had the chance to do. And they got to stay after school, just like their typical school peers which was very cool for them.

ODS has grown over the past four years and now gives hundreds of kids with differences a chance to get out on the field or court to play. They build skills, build friendships and have fun in an environment where everyone is accepted. I am proud of my mom for all of her efforts to make ODS a success and am happy to be a Student Ambassador for this year's 2021 ODS Open Golf Event.

Thank you for coming out to play some golf, have fun, and support a great charity that is helping some pretty great kids.

Libby Albus
Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School, Class of 2022

I grew up with a sister with Autism. Over the years, my family faced lots of stigma and isolation due to her being on the spectrum and the associated ignorance and lack of understanding from many people. For a while, I felt immense shame over having someone in my family on the spectrum. However, this changed over time, and part of the change was due to volunteering with Open Door Sports. I came to ODS in eighth grade. It has helped me to feel immense pride over having a sister with Autism, and has given me the opportunity to add a bit of brightness to the lives of kids who may struggle with stigma or a lack of connection because of their special needs. It has helped show me how everyone's differences make them truly special and memorable. ODS helps the teens who volunteer with the organization understand how to appreciate people with special needs, and it helps kids who have special needs feel included, part of a team and something pretty special! ODS is truly an amazing non-profit, which helps bring people together.

I'm excited to be a Student Ambassador for this year's ODS Open and look forward to sharing the good work of ODS with a greater audience!

Sincerely,

Lily O'Hanlon
Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School, Class of 2022