On and off the field, the friendships that develop between children with and without disabilities form the heart of ODS' community. Kids with disabilities and from low-income households are often left out of the play and confidence-building that after-school sports programs provide. At no cost to families, ODS offers weekly adapted sports classes year-round in which each child is paired with a middle or high school volunteer peer buddy to play soccer, basketball, and bocce. Across warm-up activities, skill development drills, and scrimmages, players improve their self-esteem while having fun in an inclusive and supportive environment. A competitive Game Day League allows more skilled players to experience a real game environment, complemented by kids' nights out where everyone enjoys social activities together. From birthday party invitations to high fives in school hallways, ODS players and peer buddies become true friends.

Headquarters: MD-Montgomery County

Where They Operate: DC-Ward 1; MD-Montgomery County; Montgomery County - Rockville, Silver Spring, Kensington, Bethesda; Washington, DC - Ward 1

Age Groups Served: Pre-K (3-4); Youth (5-11); Pre-teen/teen (12-17); Young adult (18-24)

Population(s) Served: Individuals with Disabilities; Low- to Moderate-Income Community Members; Men/Boys; Women/Girls; Students

Schools They Work In: Katherine Thomas School; The Maddux School; Rock Creek Forest Elementary School; Flora Singer Elementary School; Silver Creek Elementary School; North Chevy Chase Elementary School; Bethesda Elementary School; Tilden Middle School; Westland Middle School; St. Patrick's Catholic School; Sacred Heart School

Awards & Recognition

• Anderson Jones, a young adult with Down Syndrome, has been hired as an assistant coach – the first time a player with disabilities has transitioned to this role.
• Anderson Jones, and his experiences with Open Door Sports, was featured in the November Issue of Kensington Neighbors Magazine.
• Open Door Sports was featured in the Kentlands & Lakelands Living Magazine
• Earned Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency from Guidestar in January 2023
• Selected for the 2023 Class of Spur Local, formerly Catalogue of Philanthropy in May 2023
• Featured in January/February 2023 Issue of Bethesda Magazine
Link https://issuu.com/bethesdamagazine/docs/0123digitaledition12.21/170
• 2 ODS Players had wishes granted through Dream On 3
• Sarah Albus received the AACPDM Duncan Wyeth Award in October 2022
• ODS’s annual Youth Changemaker Award was awarded for the first time to a player - Lucy Harris

Press

  • No stories found

Budget (FY0)

  • $3 million or higher
  • $1 million to $3 million
  • $500k to $1 million
  • Less than $500k

Catalogue charities range in size from $100,000 to $3 million. This graphic indicates the budget range of the organization featured here. If you see an organizational budget above the $3 million mark, that is because the featured charity has grown in size since it first appeared in the Catalogue. We proudly present on our website the work of these "growth" charities.

About Spur Local

Each year 150+ community advocates review applicants on the basis of governance, equity, and impact. Each featured nonprofit has been successfully site visited and its financials given the thumbs up. Spur Local charges no fees and raises funds separately to support its work. Since 2003, it has raised over $57 million for nonprofits across the Greater Washington region.

Spur Local looks to friends like you to keep our services independent and entirely free of charge. Consider a small contribution to Spur Local to cap off your gift and help the causes you care about get the full support they deserve!

If you like Open Door Sports you might also like