Shyam Contractor, a 15‑year‑old high school student on the autism spectrum, organized the inaugural ‘Score for a Difference’ basketball tournament in Roswell, Georgia, to raise awareness about youth mental health and generate funds for counseling services.
A Community Initiative Takes Shape
The motivation behind the tournament stems from Contractor’s own battle with depression, bullying and social isolation; after his mother encouraged him to give back, he founded ‘Score for a Difference’ to use sport as a conduit for connection and resilience.
Held at Central Park in Roswell during the summer of 2026, the event attracted participants and spectators who contributed to a total fundraising haul of approximately $12,000, which was directed to CHRIS 180, a nonprofit that delivers mental health counseling in more than 80 schools throughout the Metro Atlanta region.
Cati Stone, President and CEO of CHRIS 180, praised Contractor’s commitment, noting that “the accessibility of mental health care must be a right, not a privilege, for every teenager” and highlighting how his grassroots effort exemplifies the organization’s mission to break down stigma and expand services.
Contractor, who sees sport as a bridge to reduce loneliness among adolescents, cited National Institutes of Health data showing that roughly one in five teens experience mental or behavioral health challenges, underscoring the urgency of his mission. He envisions the tournament becoming an annual fixture, continually expanding its reach to empower young people as they transition into healthy adulthood.