On February 8th, 2020, the Kelowna Rockets took on the Portland Winterhawks at Prospera Place in what was pegged as a mental health awareness game. In partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), the event stressed the importance of wellbeing and suicide prevention with a number of features that are not present in the traditional hockey game.
The mental health awareness game was complete with a CMHA-run kiosk where attendees could receive information, a video that featured players talking about their experience, public service announcements, a fundraising component, and more. In addition, the event also called attention to CMHA's 'Talk Today' program, which provides training and education to WHL players and coaches.
Image Credit: WHL
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Mental Health Awareness Games
- Opportunity for sports organizations to promote mental health awareness in partnership with mental health associations.
- Wellbeing-focused Events
- Rise of events that prioritize mental health and wellbeing, offering educational resources and fundraising opportunities.
- Training and Education Programs
- Increase in programs that provide mental health training and education to athletes and coaches in sports organizations.
Where This Applies
- Sports Associations
- Sports organizations can collaborate with mental health associations to raise awareness and support for mental health.
- Mental Health Associations
- Opportunity for mental health associations to partner with sports organizations to reach a wider audience and promote mental health.
- Wellness Education Providers
- Providers of mental health training and education programs can offer their services to sports organizations to support the mental wellbeing of athletes.
