Our Impact

ODS was created with a simple mission - provide high quality, high energy sports programs for children who were being missed. As ODS has grown, so have the children we serve, many of whom who are transitioning out of our program when they graduate high school at age 21. These young adults lose their vibrant school communities, social engagement and access to opportunities for physical enrichment. In response to this need, we are now providing adapted sports programs for young adults with disabilities. All ODS programs remain free of charge. We are grateful to have the chance to work with these wonderful kids and young adults and are eager to share some of their stories.

A Note from Mark's Parents

Growing up with 3 siblings, Mark has spent countless hours on the sidelines at basketball games, soccer games, baseball games, etc. He has always seen the busy family calendar that hangs on the wall detailing the various practice/game schedules for his twin brother and two sisters. Eventually, Mark started to ask, “When do I get to play sports?” Unfortunately, there are very few opportunities for kids with disabilities to engage in sports.

Thank God we found ODS! Mark’s first experience with Open Door Sports was during a soccer clinic/camp in the summer of 2019. I can’t begin to explain the feelings that I had as a parent that first day that Mark played soccer with ODS. I didn’t have to worry about what Mark was able to do or not do. I didn’t have to be the one physically helping him on the field. I didn’t have to find the right words to explain Mark’s complicated diagnosis and limitations to Coach Sarah. She understood and was happy to have Mark as he was.

Over the years, Mark has been involved with multiple seasons of soccer, summer camp (soccer and bocce) and basketball. Mark loves to see his practices listed on the family calendar and looks forward to his ODS day each week. Coach Sarah does an amazing job of making each child feel welcome and important. She treats them like athletes and sets high expectations for each child (at their own level). The peer buddy aspect of the program has been highly motivating for Mark. He loves being on the field with kids of all abilities that are always encouraging him and cheering him on. Over the past 2 years, I have watched Mark's confidence grow on and off the field as a result of his involvement with ODS. Coach Sarah has created a quality sports experience for kids with disabilities that has been a blessing for Mark and our entire family.
-Trish and Rich Stone

A Note from Tisha's Parents

As parents of a special child, we always wanted Tisha to be a part of a sports community, even though we knew our aspirations were somewhat limited. While Tisha was actively engaged in several fantastic adaptive programs, one missing element was an adaptive sports opportunity. Our journey took a turn for the better when we heard about the ODS program through another parent. To say it exceeded our expectations would be an understatement. We knew instantly that this program aligned with our core belief of 'be inclusive, presume competence.'

Despite Tisha being in a wheelchair, Coach Sarah has continuously amazed us with her creativity and unwavering commitment to ensuring Tisha's participation in sports, especially soccer and basketball, is not just fun but also profoundly meaningful. Tisha's growing active involvement in team sports at every ODS session is a testament to the remarkable work being done by Sarah and her exceptional team of young and enthusiastic volunteers.

We believe that ODS goes beyond the realm of adaptive sports; it's about fostering a sense of community, social belonging, and nurturing peer-to-peer connections. The buddies who are paired with Tisha have been nothing short of amazing. Their selfless enthusiasm is evident in their efforts to ensure that Tisha is fully engaged and capable of participating alongside her peers.

ODS stands as a shining beacon of hope and opportunity in a world awakening to the importance of fostering inclusion for individuals of all abilities. We are incredibly grateful for the positive influence the program has had on Tisha's life and her journey toward a brighter future.

-Rajani and Atul Shrestha, Tisha's parents