Student athletes promote mental health awareness
January 10, 2014
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By Communications Staff
Campus and community groups will present mental health information and resources in the Athletics and Recreation Centre (ARC) this Saturday during an awareness day hosted by the Queen’s Varsity Leadership Council (VLC).
“There is more and more evidence that tending to our mental health benefits many aspects of our lives – from academics to our social well-being,” says Aaron Gazendam, VLC co-president and Queen’s football player. “We, as athletes, believe that raising awareness for mental health will help members of our community to take care of themselves and staying active through sport is a great way to do so.”
The organizations will set up information booths in the ARC to coincide with the women’s volleyball game at 1 p.m. and the men’s volleyball game at 3 p.m. The displays will showcase information and resources that are available on campus and in the Kingston community for mental health.
“I commend our student athletes on their advocacy of such an important issue,” says Leslie Dal Cin, Director, Athletics and Recreation. “Student athletes have a great appreciation of the benefits of physical activity, health and wellness as an important part of their life and development. The Varsity Leadership Council's support of the Mental Health Awareness Day is a great initiative that will positively impact not only campus life but the broader Kingston community.”
The mental health support groups involved in the day include the Queen’s Mental Health Awareness Committee, the Peer Support Centre, the Jack Project @ Queen’s, and the Frontenac Community Mental Health and Addiction Services.