Empowering ACAC Student-Athletes to "Make Some Noise for Mental Health"
Edmonton, AB (January 17, 2022) - Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference student-athletes, coaches, staff, and mental health advocates are partnering with RBC once again to promote the seventh annual Make Some Noise for Mental Health (MSN) campaign from January 17 to February 13.
The mission of the Make Some Noise campaign is to promote mental health awareness and reduce the stigma associated with mental health concerns. Initiated at SAIT in Calgary in January 2015, the campaign promotes mental health awareness on 17 post-secondary campuses in 15 Alberta and Saskatchewan communities.
This year the ACAC is modifying the campaign in an extraordinary and meaningful manner. Instead of directing student-athletes with campaign activations that prescribe 'how' to Make Some Noise, the 2022 campaign empowers student-athletes to creatively demonstrate how they choose to Make Some Noise. Students are being challenged to plan and execute student-led projects that meet campaign objectives. To incentivize the student-athletes' efforts, RBC is awarding $13,000 in prize money deposited directly into team accounts. Member institutions will also be hosting lively dedicated MSN game nights throughout the campaign period.
"Since the pandemic began, experiencing ups and downs with mental health and wellness has become a reality," says Jeff Boyd, regional president of RBC in Alberta and the Territories. "We're pleased to be able to partner with ACAC on this meaningful campaign that encourages empathy, understanding and open-mindedness. We remain committed to supporting youth, and the well-being of our communities."
"The ACAC is excited about this new and significant twist on our very successful MSN campaign", remarked ACAC Chief Executive Officer Mark Kosak. "We are looking forward to seeing the creativity and passion of our student-athletes on full display as they decide how to impact a cause they care so deeply about".
The established campaign objectives are intended for students to…
● Encourage each other to strengthen mental health behaviors and activities.
● Inspire and advocate for each other to be mental health role models in our local communities.
● Encourage each other to have conversations about mental health.
● Reinforce acceptance that talking about mental health is healthy and reduce the stigma suggesting otherwise.
● Promote resources and support available on campus and in the community.
● Help students/athletes identify and understand when they are struggling with mental health.
● Raise funds to support Mental Health resources on campus.
"ACAC student-athletes have demonstrated in the past the importance of this annual campaign. With the added stress, pressures and uncertainty created by the Covid-19 pandemic, many more have been personally touched or witnessed mental health challenges in others. Thanks to our loyal partners at RBC for understanding the need to continue to support our youth in their efforts to cope with this ever-changing world", stated Kosak.
With pandemic conditions remaining throughout this current season, the ACAC advises student-athletes to remain connected to whatever extent possible with friends, family, and teammates. This campaign creates the opportunity to engage in honest and supportive conversations about mental health issues. Mental health matters more than ever.
Make Some Noise for Mental Health 2022 Events:
Full schedule of MSN game nights available online at
http://acac.ab.ca/make-some-noise/make-some-noise-2022-events
Information:
● Media Kit
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ci0zr2crev2fge6/AAD2xXF3SPujNTJOUU9oWYlda?dl=0
● Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference
https://acacab.prestosports.com/landing/index
● CMHA Alberta
● RBC
https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/personal.html
● ACAC Facebook Page
https://www.facebook.com/AlbertaCollegesAthleticConference
● Make Some Noise Student Project Criteria
https://qrcgcustomers.s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/account16171992/20310026_1.pdf?0.5705248337941782
● Hashtags: #MakeSomeNoiseforMentalHealth #MakeSomeNoise
About the ACAC:
The ACAC is the governing body for intercollegiate athletics in Alberta. Its mission is to provide competitive collegiate sport experiences, promote academic achievement and be a leader of sport development in Canada.
For more information on the ACAC, please visit our website: www.acac.ab.ca
Twitter: @acac_sport
Facebook: AlbertaCollegesAthleticConference
Instagram: @acac_sport
#ACACSport
For additional information, contact:
Mark Kosak, ACAC
Chief Executive Officer
403-875-7329
markk@acac.ab.ca