Hills youngster Aaryaveer Tangri is an incredible child. At just 10 years, his sports charity, Golden Wickets, is already well known in several countries. His vision of helping poor children access used sports gear is helping hundreds of girls and boys to take up sports otherwise be unattainable to them.
He is a confident public speaker and a whiz at maths – skills he combines to inspire and support kids around the world. From calculating demand and supply to plan donation drives, to sharing his journey and delivering engaging talks, he’s a one-stop powerhouse for youth empowerment.
The Kings School, North Parramatta student started his venture after his trip to India in 2019 when he saw children play skilful football without proper gear. He promptly gave his own boots to a young child and asked his parents how he could help. The result is a growing international sporting initiative which is backed by organisations here and overseas.
“I’m lucky to have good sports stuff, and I want other kids to have that too,” Veer said. “I want them to be happy and enjoy playing with the right equipment. I also want to build a community where all kids can play and have fun together.
“Last year, I also got to share my birthday with kids from some of the poorest areas in India, which was amazing.”
A talented state-level cricketer, Veer dreams of earning a Baggy Green one day. His family and school have been supportive, helping him run successful donation drives. Veer happily spends his school holidays helping out at charities, collecting books or cooking for disadvantaged families.
Veer admits it’s sometimes hard to find time to handle all this stuff besides his school work and sports but said: “I learned that spreading kindness is actually pretty easy and even one small act can make a huge difference in someone’s life.”
Veer encourages children who would like to start their own charity to follow their hearts and start with simple steps.
Some of his initiatives:
- Shoe Donation Drive (Dec 2024) – Partnered with his school and the India Youth Soccer Association (IYSA) to collect and distribute used shoes to children in remote villages.
- Human Rights Celebration – Engaged with children at the Asylum Seekers Centre, Auburn, distributing sporting equipment.
- Ongoing Support for Asylum Seekers Centre – Worked with the Asylum Seekers Centre during school holidays, donating sports equipment and organising fun cricket.
- Community Care Inc. Donation Drive part of Refugee Outreach program – Collected and distributed cricket kits to children.
- Birthday Initiative – Dedicated his birthday to bringing joy to underprivileged children in New Delhi in collaboration with Centre for Education and Health Research Organisation (CEHRO) India.
- Participates in school holidays at The Salvation Army, Parramatta – Helping to prepare and pack meals for needy families, creating drawings and motivational messages.
Details: https://goldenwickets.org
