Arden Pala, a sophomore at Francis Parker High, has been named the 2024 SportsKid of the Year for his efforts in bringing sports programs to underprivileged kids. The 16-year-old coach started volunteering at Perkins Elementary four years ago and saw firsthand the impact that sports can have on students’ lives.
At the school, Arden witnessed a significant lack of access to sports programs due to financial constraints. Many students lived in shelters or cars, with some coming from impoverished backgrounds. Determined to help, Arden reached out to his parents and school principal, Fernando Hernandez, who explained the dire situation. With their support, Arden began coaching basketball every Wednesday afternoon.
Through perseverance and dedication, Arden not only taught kids valuable life lessons like teamwork and sportsmanship but also founded Sports4Kids, a charity that raises funds for equipment, instructors, and other resources. The organization has distributed over 25,000 pounds of food and mobilized 350 youth volunteers since its inception in 2020.
Arden’s success is attributed to his strong values instilled by his parents, who immigrated to the US with few possessions. He began volunteering at age five and developed empathy through interacting with people from different backgrounds. As CEO of Sports4Kids, Arden continues to raise money and secure grants to support his mission.
The 16-year-old’s dedication has earned him recognition, including a chance to work with former NBA players and develop an app to track students’ progress. Despite his busy schedule, Arden prioritizes time for coaching clinics and community service, inspiring others to follow in his footsteps. His journey showcases the power of sports to transform lives and demonstrates that even small actions can lead to significant positive change.
Source: https://www.si.com/sportsperson/meet-the-2024-sportskid-of-the-year-arden-pala