Arif arrived in the United States in 2020, just one week before the national COVID-19 lockdown. Everything was unfamiliar. He left behind more than 50 family members and arrived with only his parents and siblings, without friends or extended family to support the transition. Navigating a new country during a global crisis was incredibly challenging, and the adjustment period was marked by isolation, uncertainty, and hardship.
Despite these challenges, Arif adapted quickly. As he became more familiar with the system, he began to notice a growing lack of social connection, limited access to sports, and a rising mental health crisis among youth—especially within immigrant and underserved communities. Recognizing this urgent need, Arif founded the International Sports Organization (ISO) with a mission to bring communities together and support young people through meaningful, accessible programs.
ISO began by offering free sports programs, along with transportation to ensure kids could safely get to and from the field. The organization also provided free sports equipment, removing financial barriers for families. As participation grew, Arif expanded ISO’s mission to include language clubs that support students with assignments in multiple languages, as well as mentoring, counseling, college application assistance, school enrollment support, and job readiness workshops.
