Charitable Purpose

Connect Sport

The purpose of Connect Sport is to educate, provide opportunities, and develop community in minor sports by facilitating structured and evidence-informed mental health training. In turn, this will help reduce stigma and promote access to care and help create positive sporting environments for all.

Educate

By improving the mental health literacy of coaches, parents and youth, we can improve mental health outcomes for all participants.  This learning will deepen the knowledge of participants and support the development of positive mental health by advancing understanding of how mental health problems and mental illness can negatively impact a young athlete’s development and enjoyment of sport. 

By offering both online and in-person training sessions, as well as providing resources and materials, we aim to improve the abilities of coaches, parents, and athletes to recognize mental health issues and seek appropriate care. Our goal is to support their success in athletic, educational, and personal endeavors.

Providing Opportunities

Unfortunately, not all young people have the same access to sports participation. Connect Sport is dedicated to addressing this inequality by offering opportunities that eliminate financial obstacles. We address this by subsidizing sports activities and providing equipment, ensuring that participation is not hindered by financial burdens faced by families or communities. By alleviating financial stress, we aim to reduce the barriers to participating in sport. Our ultimate aim is to enable participants and supporters to prioritize their well-being and foster positive mental health through athletic endeavors.

Developing Community

By developing a collective knowledge and understanding of mental health, participants can recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health disorder and challenges, offer appropriate support, and facilitate open and supportive dialogues. This shared mental health literacy empowers sporting communities to create an environment that prioritizes mental well-being, enabling athletes, parents, and coaches to thrive both on and off the field. Developing shared literacy and resources to support sport and communities will further encourage positive mental health and reduce the stigma around mental illness. Donating funds to charitable organizations that advance the purposes of Connect Sport and wellness for youth will further advance appropriate literacy and community building.