Youth Leadership Award: Christian and Rowan Dias

Congratulations Rowan and Christian Dias!

2025 Youth Leadership Award Recipients for volunteer action with Able Athletics, Inc.

Presented by PKF O'Connor Davies, LLP

Teenagers Rowan and Christian Dias have already made a meaningful impact on the world. As passionate lacrosse players practicing in their backyard, the boys noticed that their younger sister, Elle, who is neurodivergent, loved watching them but found it difficult to join in. Rowan and Christian realized that when they adjusted the game to meet her needs, she was able to participate. Inspired by this, they created their own program to teach her in a way that made her feel included.

Seeing how well Elle responded, they had an idea – what if they could help other children with special needs as well? With that thought, Able Athletics, Inc. (originally called Able Lacrosse) was born. They began with just one young athlete. Rowan and Christian visited his home, brought him a small lacrosse stick, and worked through adaptive drills with the support of a therapist. The brothers carefully planned the sessions, while the therapist helped tailor the drills to the child's needs.

As their program grew, they partnered with a local lacrosse coach, bringing in entire teams as volunteers. This expansion allowed more children to participate and benefit from inclusive sports. Over time, Able Athletics, Inc. broadened beyond lacrosse, adding multiple sports, multi-week sessions, and even tournaments. Some of their athletes have competed in national lacrosse and field hockey tournaments, playing alongside both neurotypical children and other children with special needs. Rowan has also introduced Able Athletics, Inc. to his boarding school, bringing wheelchairs so that his classmates without disabilities could experience playing basketball from a different perspective.

Rowan and Christian note that Able Athletics, Inc. enriches not only the athletes but also the volunteers. Each volunteer completes an onboarding course that equips them with the skills to interact with the athletes and break down social barriers. At its heart, the organization is dedicated to fostering understanding and inclusion for people with special needs. The brothers especially love “seeing the smiles on everyone’s faces” – from the athletes and their parents to the volunteers who help make it all possible.

Looking ahead, Rowan and Christian dream of expanding the program’s reach, believing that “there are children with special needs everywhere” who could benefit from inclusive sports. They envision a world where athletes like his sister feel accepted and valued, both in sports and in everyday life. Together, the brothers strive to inspire others to recognize that inclusion matters—and with each throw and catch, they are getting closer to making that vision a reality.

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