ACAC Student-Athletes Earn Cash Prizes from RBC for Mental Health Projects
Edmonton, AB (March 14, 2022) - The 2022 edition of the ACAC’s annual ‘Make Some Noise for Mental Health’ (MSN) campaign, presented by RBC wrapped up in mid-February. This year’s campaign was designed to empower post-secondary student-athletes to creatively demonstrate how they choose to ‘Make Some Noise for Mental Health.’
The overall purpose of this campaign is to promote mental health awareness and reduce the stigma associated with mental health concerns. 17 ACAC member institutions and teams were challenged to create their own unique projects which promote campaign objectives. To incentivize the student-athletes’ efforts, RBC contributed cash prizes for the most impactful projects as well as draw prizes.
Participating teams were eligible for one of two $5,000.00 draw prizes by executing a project which met the objectives of the MSN campaign. Additionally, a panel of judges selected two projects for achievement awards valued at $1,500.00.
Congratulations are extended to the Portage College Voyageurs and the Lethbridge College Kodiaks who earned achievement awards.
Draw prize winners were the Medicine Hat Rattlers Women’s Volleyball team and the University of Alberta - Augustana Vikings.
“It was gratifying to observe the resiliency, effort and creativity contributed by so many student-athletes towards meeting the objectives of the MSN campaign” , commented ACAC CEO Mark Kosak.
“After a challenging 2 years coping with Covid-19 disruptions, a new set of restrictions to limit the Omicron variant in the early part of 2022 presented another hurdle for our students and staff to overcome. I’m proud of the manner in which everyone rose to the occasion and didn’t allow that complication to stand in the way of their success. And thanks to RBC and CMHA Alberta for standing behind us to make sure this important initiative continued on.”
What transpired over the four week campaign duration was truly uplifting. Many student-athletes and coaches showed courage to openly share personal stories about a journey with mental health to encourage and inspire others to do likewise. Athletic departments provided access to their social media platforms so that student-athletes could expose their experiences to a larger audience. Since the start of the 2022 MSN campaign, the ACAC Instagram account experienced a nearly 500% increase in reach. The campaign also promoted mental health resources available within Institutions and the broader community.
The ACAC thanks everyone who participated in the 2022 ‘Make Some Noise for Mental Health’ campaign. Sincere appreciation is extended to RBC for continuing to partner with the ACAC to positively impact the well-being of post-secondary students.