Photos: Vincent Roazzi Jr.

Wilton-based Kick for Nick is an organization that has had a tremendous impact around the world. Founded by Wilton’s Bill and Shalini Maderas, it honors their son, Nick, who was killed while serving in the U.S. Army in 2006 in Iraq. Kick for Nick fulfills Nick’s dream of fostering peace and goodwill by helping children in distressed, war-torn parts of the world, by distributing soccer balls to them through U.S. servicemen and women.

Shalini recently visited Bhutan to introduce the program there, at the invitation of former Wilton resident Matthew DeSantis, who has moved to the South Asian country and promotes travel to Bhutan.

shalini ties flags
Shalini ties prayer flags in Nick’s memory on his birthday, Oct. 21, 2014 at the Dochula Pass (10,300 ft), Bhutan.
Shalini ties prayer flags in Nick’s memory on his birthday, Oct. 21, 2014 at the Dochula Pass (10,300 ft), Bhutan.

“In my discovery of Bhutan, and all the wonders of nature, rich culture, history, and spiritual beauty that so strongly emanates from this country, the thing which touched me the deepest is the Prayer Flags that are everywhere. The spiritual belief is that the prayers and mantras are blown by the wind to spread peace, compassion, strength and wisdom into all space and to all those who are touched by them. For Nick, and the Kick for Nick Foundation, a soccer ball is Nick’s prayer flag. With it he shares compassion, good will and friendship to all who are touched by it.  To this purpose his name is written on every single ball which is distributed,” Shalini said.

Kick for Nick posted an emotional video (below) about the trip to show the impact the efforts can have, and to thank donors for helping the organization to give the gift of play, laughter and happiness to needy children around the world.

“Thanks to your help, including donations of balls, donations of funds for shipping the balls, and spreading the word about Kick For Nick through social media and word of mouth, Nick’s story and his soccer balls are helping children all over the world,” Shalini wrote in a newsletter to supporters.

According to the Kick for Nick website, the organization has donated 41,318 soccer balls since they’ve started efforts to honor Nick. Some of the countries where the group helped spread Nick’s mission in the last year include Kenya, India, Bhutan, Lebanon and Honduras.

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