In 2016, Maryland mom Sarah Albus had a moment that changed everything. During a family ski trip, she made sure all her kids were ready to hit the slopes—except her daughter, Hannah, who has cerebral palsy and is legally blind.
“Where are my skis?” Hannah asked.
Albus realized she had unintentionally left her daughter out of the experience, and she knew she had to do better. The next trip, she found a way for Hannah to participate in adaptive skiing. But that wasn’t enough—she wanted to create opportunities for other kids with disabilities to enjoy sports too.
That determination led to Open Door Sports, a nonprofit that has been making a difference since 2016. Through after-school programs, the organization provides inclusive sports experiences for children with special needs, pairing them with volunteer “buddies” who help them learn new skills.
“So much can happen with a little extra effort, ingenuity, or adaptation,” Albus said. “We can make things happen and bring joy to the community.”
Since its launch, Open Door Sports has served over 2,000 young athletes in Maryland and Washington, D.C. The program has transformed not just the players’ lives but also those of the volunteers who work with them.
“The relationships formed between players and their peer buddies are incredibly impactful,” Albus shared.
What started as one mother’s mission to include her daughter in sports has become a thriving community where every child gets a chance to play.
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Photo: Getty