"You are never too young to lead and never too old to learn." — Bernard Kelvin Clive

Introduction:
At 16 years old, Rishan Patel has already made a significant impact on history and rewritten the rules of what it means to be a young achiever. Patel is not just CEO and co-founder of Alley-Oop Kids, a non-profit organization that aims to provide a level playing field for all young athletes, regardless of their background but he is also driven by a higher purpose, a burning desire to make the world of youth sports fairer for all. His journey is extraordinary and reminds us that age is just a number and that with passion, and relentless determination, we can impact the lives of others.

The Early Years:
Rishan Patel, was born with a passion for sports. Yet, through his journey he learned that not all children had equal access to the world of sports, a realization that sparked a commitment to change. His journey was a microcosm of societal challenges with inequalities in access, resources, and opportunities.

The Birth Of Alley-Oop Kids:
Alley-Oop Kids, a non-profit organization founded by Rishan and Shayen Patel, aims to increase access to youth sports by bridging the gap between financial and societal barriers.
The mission is to level the playing field for youth sports and give every child the opportunity to enter the playing field to experience the mental health benefits of sports, first – hand.

The Lending Lockers Legacy:
In 2022, Alley-Oop Kids launched "Lending Lockers" to eliminate financial barriers for young athletes in underfunded schools. Inside these lockers are sports equipment, uniforms, and other gear that kids can use during the recess and P.E. He has installed over 130 lockers around the world, bringing sports gear to over 80,000 youth.

Awards And Recognitions:
In 2023, Rishan Patel received an EPSY as a National Billie Jean King Youth Leadership Award winner, the Prudential/Ashoka Emerging Visionary Award, and a commendation from MP Anna Eshoo. These platforms have allowed Rishan to further his work.

Author And Journalist:
Rishan is not only a man of action, but also a storyteller who hopes to inspire other kids to take action of their own. He’s sharing his story in “Off the Bench: From Youth Athlete to Activist”, an episodic book available on Kindle Vella.

Rishan is also an active journalist at YR Media to shed light on often overlooked issues surrounding youth sports.

Conclusion:
Rishan Patel, a young athlete and non-profit CEO, is a pioneer in youth sports equity. His mission to level the playing field for all is a testament to the power of passion and determination. Patel's journey challenges conventional norms, breaks barriers, and inspires young activists to act.