During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, as the world grappled with unprecedented challenges, Peter Chang, a student at Palos Verdes High School, was seeking a way to make a difference. Community service opportunities were scarce, but Peter wasn’t deterred. Instead, he took the initiative to create his own path, leading to the birth of “Kicking for Kenya,” a project that has since impacted hundreds of young lives thousands of miles away.
The idea for Kicking for Kenya began during a time of reflection and inspiration. Peter recalled the stories and images shared by close family friends who had relocated to Kenya a few years earlier. “The images of children playing soccer in flip-flops or barefoot, kicking makeshift balls crafted from plastic bags and recycled fishing buoys, really struck a chord,” he says.
Determined to make a difference, Peter reached out to his friends in Kenya with a simple yet profound idea: to send soccer balls to these children.
His role was to raise funds in the U.S., while his friends on the ground in Kenya secured the field and coordinated the teams. The tournament was a resounding success, laying the foundation for what Kicking for Kenya would become.
A year later, Peter had the opportunity to visit Kenya himself. Armed with more gear, including balls, jerseys, and cleats donated by the Palos Verdes soccer community, Peter and his friends distributed these items to several local clubs throughout Kenya. During that trip, they connected with around 200 young players, providing them with much-needed equipment and, more importantly, a sense of hope and camaraderie.
Peter’s experience in Kenya left a lasting impression on him. He was deeply moved by the gratitude of the players and the warm welcome he received from the communities. This experience fueled his desire to continue making a difference, and upon returning to the U.S., Peter took the next big step: he established a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, aptly named Game Changers Corporation.
Game Changers Corporation was founded with a clear mission: to use sport as a tool for positive change in people’s lives. For Peter, the most powerful takeaway from this journey was the overwhelming sense of gratitude. The players he met were incredibly thankful, not only for the donations but for the connection they forged with people from across the globe.
As Peter embarks on the next chapter of his life at Columbia University, where he will continue to play soccer, his commitment to Kicking for Kenya remains strong.
Peter Chang’s story is one of perseverance, community, and the power of sport to create change. What began as a response to the pandemic has blossomed into a beacon of hope for many, proving that one person’s determination can indeed make a world of difference.
Want to get involved? Check out Kicking for Kenya Instagram page @kicking.for.kenya or reach out to Peter Chang directly at gamechangers.corporation@gmail.com.
