DuBois residents learn mental health resources through tournament
DUBOIS, Pa. (WTAJ) — DuBois residents learned about mental health resources through a daylong kickball tournament.
'Kick The Stigma', an annual mental health and wellness festival in its third year, brought in multiple Clearfield and Jefferson County organizations to help provide help and information for residents suffering in silence. The centerpiece of the day, a kickball tournament has helped brought out the public to learn about the stigma that comes with conversations about mental health.
'We want to break the stigma,' Brooke Gunning, a co-founder of the event said. 'We want everyone to know that getting help and support you need.'
'Loading the event with people here for the kickball tournament, we could then, in turn, pack the park with people and have them walk around and check out all the area has to offer,' co-founder Aaron Beatty said.
Nine teams, comprised of adults and children, took to the diamond to face off against one another. The teams were split into two divisions: an open division for co-ed teams of children and adults, and the elementary division.
Food trucks, speakers and other stands were present for those not participating or watching the games from the stands. New this year was a small pickleball tournament.
The main goal was to provide a spark to those who have not spoke out about their mental health. Organizers tell WTAJ the deterrent behind speaking up is the idea that they will become social outcasts and be cut off from their loved ones.
'How will the community react to me? Will I still be welcomed at the events that I have in the community? Am I still allowed to participate in things, or will they even want me there?' Gunning said. 'Sometimes, some people feel that way already.'
'They feel some kind of, barrier, they feel some kind of issue out there and they're not going to find those resources,' Beatty added.
The outreach the event looks to give to residents offers opportunities to speak out and learn the importance of doing so. Not only do they find it crucial to adults, but to the children and how they can help.
'They should maybe make posters and stuff,' Tyler Farrell, a 7th-grade student at DuBois Area Middle School and a kickball player, said.
The event lasted for 8 hours at the DuBois City Park, but the fight continues outside of the complex. Beatty urges people to continue the conversations in their daily lives.
'Hopefully, again, we can make it a 365-day conversation now,' Beatty said.
If you find yourself struggling with mental health, visit our Project Uplift website for resources.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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