Athletes in high demand for school mental health program
Published Tue 18 Feb 2025
Two Australian snowsports athletes are part of a mental health program built around elite athletes delivering powerful talks to high school students,with the initiative preparing for its biggest year yet with close to 100 schools signed up for 2025.
The AIS Mental Fitness Program, which is a joint venture with the Black Dog Institute, has seen participation numbers increase by almost 200% since launching six years ago.
Last year, more than 20,000 students sat down with some of the nations’ top athletes to learn about their personal battles and stories of resilience.
Executive General Manager of AIS Performance Matti Clements said the programs’ growing demand is a credit to the athletes.
“When an athlete who is often viewed as invincible shows vulnerability it captures people’s attention. These athletes are helping send an important message that it’s courageous to speak up and seek help,” Clements said.
Research from the Black Dog Institute reveals more than 75 per cent of mental health issues develop before the age of 25, highlighting the significance of tackling the subject from an early age.
Over the next 12 months the athletes will visit high schools and sports clubs across the country to share evidence-based strategies on how to keep mentally fit.
The program enters a new chapter this year, with 25 national athletes appointed as ambassadors including Alpine skier Sammie Gaul and Aerial skier Abbey Willcox.
Sammie Gaul said the most important takeaway message will be to not suffer in silence.
“Challenging moments are inevitable, but they are also temporary. The storm doesn’t last forever. We need to teach young people that seeking help is seen as a strength, not a weakness,” said Gaul.
Schools can book a free session via the AIS website here: Mental Fitness Program | Australian Institute of Sport
Click here to see full list of Ambassadors.
