The Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) has teamed with the Black Dog Institute to help young people become mentally fit.
Designed for children 12 to 16 years old, the AIS Black Dog Mental Fitness Program will be delivered throughout schools across the country by 20 current and former athletes.
The program initiated in 2020 and was highly successful according to the AIS, leading to the further development of the AIS Black Dog Mental Fitness Program aimed at the younger generation of athletes.
For more information on the original program, see Ministry of Sport’s last story on the Black Dog Institute.
Paralympic gold medalist and Black Dog ambassador, Paige Greco, said the program allows her to give back to the community and help support young people.
“Mental health is so important,” Greco said.
“I think sometimes as athletes we place a lot of emphasis on our physical health and our wellbeing, however, understanding mental health and the impact it has on our daily life is so vital,” she said.
Federal Sports Minister, Richard Colbeck, said the Australian Government was happy to invest in AIS wellbeing and community programs.
“It’s wonderful to see these athletes spreading positive messages of mental health and resilience with school-aged children who are dealing with the increased pressures associated with the pandemic,” Minister Colbeck said.
Olympic hockey athlete, Josh Beltz, said he believes well-known athletes delivering the program will help deliver the message across to younger athletes.
“Young people are more likely to take up mental health and wellbeing training if these programs are delivered by a person with whom they can resonate,” Beltz said.
“The earlier these programs are offered, the more likely the effects will be long lasting,” he said.
