The nonprofit organization Opportunity Knocks hosted its 17th annual OK Classic softball tournament in Veterans Park on Sept. 24.
Opportunity Knocks, located at the River Forest community center, serves Chicago’s west suburbs helping those with intellectual and physical disabilities.
The mission of the organization is to connect children with disabilities and their families with those similar to them and provide them with community support.
Mike Carmody, former special education teacher at Oak Park and River Forest High School and the co-founder and executive director of Opportunity Knocks said, “It’s an opportunity for people to interact with people they may not interact with regularly. So, for people with disabilities and people without disabilities, I think it’s a great tool to build relationships.”
The event was attended by some OPRF students, including members of the Best Buddies club, which aims to build connections between special education students and the general student population. Senior Sonia Lavery, who attended the tournament, has been involved with Best Buddies throughout her time at OPRF. “I love getting to talk to people with all different abilities and meeting them and hanging out with them,” Lavery said. “Forming these strong connections is something I enjoy.”
Like Best Buddies, Opportunity Knocks aims for inclusivity, Lavery added. “Opportunity Knocks has a really strong range because it does not only cater to River Forest or Oak Park but other communities too,” said Lavery, “There are people of all ages, families and just all kinds of community members.”
Another OPRF senior and event attendee, Samantha Menconi, said, “Honestly, I love just getting to see everyone, and the environment is so fun, and everyone’s friends.”
Opportunity Knocks participants Madeline Gancer and Sonya Taylor also attended the softball tournament. The two are part of Opportunity Knocks’ Knockout Kitchen, which according to its website “creates and supports meaningful vocational opportunities for young adults with intellectual and developmental differences.
“Cooking and hanging out with my friends is my favorite part of Opportunity Knocks,” said Taylor.
Similarly, Gancer said her “favorite part about Opportunity Knocks is the softball game and hanging out with her friends.”
Opportunity Knocks has been able to provide a space where friends can be made no matter what. The organization plans to host another large-scale event, similar to The OK Classic, called the OK Gala, which will take place on Saturday, April 20 at the Bridgeport Arts Center in Chicago.
