Mental Health Classic puts smiles on kids' faces

By Joan Janzen

Mental Health Matters introduced the Mental Health Classic to Kindersley on the August 5th weekend at the West Central Events Centre. A total of ninety-three kids signed up for D Jay McGrath's first-ever 3 vs 3 hockey tournament. You could feel the energy on the ice as the kids put out their best effort while uptempo tunes spurred them on during the games. D Jay said it helped make the tournament both different and fun for the players.

D Jay McGrath and the 93 kids who signed up for the Mental Health Classic 3 vs 3 tournament were smiling throughout the entire event. Photo Submitted

It was all made possible with the help of his family and his team. "A big shout out to my family and my team!" D Jay said. "These guys are so important in my life, and I can't thank them enough."

He said the goal for the event was to let the kids be kids for the weekend while his team interacted with them as much as possible in a positive atmosphere. As the weekend progressed, it looked like they had achieved their goal.

"They all had smiles on their faces through the whole thing," D Jay noted. "They were respectful, listened and worked hard." He was very proud of all the kids who came out.

Not only were the kids respectful, but they were also treated with honour. They entered their dressing rooms and found their jerseys were hung up professionally, along with their swag bags. The kids were impressed!

Three mental health speakers, Gio Flaminino, Logan Linklater and Jessica Gazzola, shared parts of their stories with the kids. They received good feedback from both kids and their parents. And after the weekend was over, D Jay said he had the best time and can't wait to do it all again next year!