ODS Announces 2024 ODS Changemaker Awards

The ODS Changemaker Awards are given annually to recognize efforts to create a more inclusive, supportive and friendly community for all people and to those expanding the definition of what is possible for children with disabilities. This year, the Board of Open Door Sports has selected two phenomenal humans who are the true embodiment of all that ODS stands for to receive an ODS Changemaker Award – Greg Wells and Anderson Jones.

Greg Wells is dad to Marlie, an ODS assistant coach, and Emory, an ODS player - twins who have just graduated from Churchill High School. Greg, nicknamed Diesel, came up with, and followed through on, the idea for a 700 mile/7 day bike ride from DC to Montreal last August in order to raise funds and awareness for Open Door Sports. With the support of his employer, The Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), and his community, Greg raised over $80,000, ODS’ most successful fundraiser, and achieved an incredible physical feat. ODS Executive Director, Sarah Albus, extolled, “Greg’s strength and determination, all in support of our little nonprofit, is inspiring and has changed the trajectory of ODS. Because of his efforts, we will be able reach so many more students in varying ways, and I will forever be grateful.”

Our second changemaker award winner is the self-proclaimed, King of ODS, Anderson Jones. Anderson joined the ODS community in 2018 and has been a staple of ODS programs ever since. Anderson is a rising senior at Whitman High School in Bethesda and has continued to create change and break down barriers in so many facets of his life. He created his own DJ business two years ago, working at various events and parties in the DC area, including Sunshine Projects, Tribute 21, Down Syndrome Network of Montgomery County, ODS galas and many more. Anderson is an officer of Best Buddies Program at Whitman, active in the Student Government Association, and is a captain of the unified bocce and softball teams there. This past fall, Anderson became the first ODS player to transition into a paid Assistant Coach role, which he works at twice per week. Albus applauds Anderson, saying, “Simply put - Anderson Jones displays all of the characteristics of a changemaker - creating opportunities that may not have existed before, forging his own path with determination and talent, and participating in everything he does with kindness, empathy and compassion for others. He has changed the view of the world for those who will follow, making goals that may have seemed out of reach, possible.”