As we are in the midst/wrapping up Mental Health Awareness Month, 93.5 & 107.5 The Fan wants to focus on a few ways our hometown teams make a difference in the fight to improve mental health in the city of Indianapolis. With the Colts and Pacers both facing steep challenges in their past seasons by having to seclude themselves from everyday activity to be able to perform at the highest level, it would be hard to say that their heads were always in the right place.
The Indiana Pacers were lined up first to fight the battle of maintaining their mental health as they entered the NBA bubble to conclude last year’s season. As times were different by having to stay in the same location for a few months, not being able to see family, and one goal on the line which was to work, Mental health became a main focus through their experience with the bubble that was brought to the limelight.
In January the NBA made a statement for all teams:
Mental health has been a priority for the NBA and the National Basketball Players Association in recent years, especially after players like Cleveland’s Kevin Love and San Antonio’s DeMar DeRozan opened up about their inner struggles with anxiety and other issues. Many players also spoke out this past summer about the strain of being isolated during the NBA’s restart bubble at Walt Disney World in Central Florida.
The Indiana Pacers have been walking advocates during the month of May and are full supporters of Mental Health Awareness Month.
The Indianapolis Colts have made quite a name for themselves during Mental Health Awareness Month with their call to action Kicking The Stigma. We have attached a video of the Irsay family introducing the Kicking The Stigma initiative.
The funds that are raised will go towards a new Kicking The Stigma Action Fund, which will support expanded programming by Mental Health America Indiana, NAMI Greater Indianapolis, Project Healthy Minds and Bring Change to Mind. The fund also will provide grants to other Indiana-based nonprofits working in education, support and advocacy of mental health.
Just this year you can see below the amount raised by the Colts organization to support Mental Health Awareness Month!
