Teen hosts charity basketball tournament
A Brookhaven teen is using basketball to give back, hosting a three-on-three tournament to benefit a local mental health nonprofit that has supported him and others in the community.
The tournament was created by 16-year-old Shyam Contractor, a Brookhaven teen who has autism and has dealt with depression. He said his mission is to help Atlanta teens like him get mental health care services.
According to event organizers, one in five teens experience a mental health condition – the same rate as adults. Georgia is one of the lowest five in mental health care access in the U.S., according to event organizers. Contractor said he wants to connect teens with the care they need before it is too late and create awareness about their struggles.
“Three years ago, I was asked by my mom what I could do to give back to the community. I wanted to do something that resonated with me,” stated Contractor. “I wanted to give kids mental health access, because I struggled with mental health issues years earlier. I know I got better because of care, and I want other kids to have the same.”
Through the tournament, Contractor has raised funds for CHRIS 180, a local nonprofit that provides mental health services to teens and families throughout metro Atlanta, including DeKalb County. Last year, the tournament raised more than $11,000 for CHRIS 180.
“I am humbled and grateful for the support my community has continued to give for this mission,” said Contractor. “The impact I’ve had in the last two years doesn’t mean this is the end of my work, it means that I need to keep going because care doesn’t stop when you have helped a certain number of people.”
Through this year’s tournament, Contractor aims to raise even more funds and awareness to support access to mental health services.
Contractor’s younger brother, Arjun Contractor, has also made it his mission to get additional donations for the local nonprofit by selling homemade lemonade during the event.
The tournament will be held Aug. 15 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Central Park, 400 Merritts Ave. NE in Brookhaven. Individuals 16 and older can compete for trophies and prizes, including a $1,000 grand prize for the winning team.
For more information and to sign up for the tournament, visit www.scoreforadifference.org.
