I recently retired from the Ocean City Recreation & Parks, after thirty nine years and three months, as the Recreation Manager. I presently serves as the Mid-Atlantic Regional Representative for the National Alliance for Youth Sports, based out of West Palm Beach, Florida. I also started the Hondo Handy’s Podcast and has completed over 121 interviews.
My podcast shares the journey of athletes across the country, Recreation Professionals stories throughout the nation, the importance of youth sports coaches certification and Good Sportsmanship in youth sports, how youth sporting events improve the economy and how Ocean City, Maryland Amusements and Attractions can benefit both locals and visitors.
I was named the Official Global Gear Drive Coordinator for the Certified Youth Sports Administrators by Fred Engh, Founder and CEO of National Alliance for Youth Sports. The Global Gear Drive collected new and used sports equipment to be shipped to underprivileged countries around the world.
At Stephen Decatur, I played guard with former Clemson University Head Basketball Coach, Oliver Purnell and won the Maryland State Basketball Championship at the University of Maryland. During my senior year at Decatur, l was named the Athlete of the Year Award and I won the Most Valuable Player Award for Soccer. I received my undergraduate degree in Physical Education from Salisbury State College, now Salisbury University, where I played basketball, baseball, soccer and ran indoor track.
At my retirement celebration I, along with the “Friends of Al Hondo Handy, raised $7695 for the John H. ‘Jack’ Burbage Jr. Regional Cancer Care Center. Since my retirement I finally finished writing my book, “Defying Expectations,” with a focus on Family, Sports & Recreation.
I am a Two Time Citizen of the Year in Ocean City, Maryland. I received two Keys to the City from Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan. I has been a speaker locally, statewide and nationally.
I have received Maryland Governor’s Citations from Governor Paris Glendening, Governor Robert Ehrlich, Governor Martin O’Malley and Governor Larry Hogan.