Latest news with #Sportsplex
CTV News
29-04-2025
- Health
- CTV News
Reimagined Ice Bucket Challenge comes to the Maritimes
It might not be 2014, but the Ice Bucket Challenge is sweeping social media for a new cause. Reimagined by Wade Jefferson at the University of South Carolina, the Speak Your MIND Ice Bucket Challenge is focusing on mental health this time around, and it's making waves north of the border. 'We saw it as an opportunity and a platform to bring more awareness to mental health issues,' said Lana McMullen, director of programs and services at the Zatzman Sportsplex in Dartmouth, N.S. The Sportsplex was nominated by Cole Harbour Place and accepted the challenge with open arms. 'A wider audience again is always a good thing. I thought we would accept the challenge and take the opportunity to use that platform and get that message out there to hopefully reach more people,' McMullen said. The challenge is not associated with any mental health organizations in Canada, but still seeks to spread awareness. 'Raising awareness leads to action,' said Neicole Killawee, communications manager for the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia. 'And what we really want is more and more people to get comfortable with the idea that it's okay to not be okay, and that help is available.' 'While CMHA Nova Scotia is not formally involved in the initiative, we're encouraged to see Nova Scotians taking part and choosing to donate to CMHA,' said Johanne Thompson, executive director of the Canadian Mental Health Association's Nova Scotia division. 'We've also heard that several of our counterparts across the country and in Atlantic Canada have received support through this renewed effort — a clear sign of how deeply this cause resonates with communities in our region." 'We just took the opportunity to get that message to people,' McMullen said. 'If people want to make donations, absolutely. There are plenty of foundations that will graciously accept donations. But it was more about getting the message out that says, these are the people that can help you. 'A lot of people come through these doors knowing that the benefits that they get from participating in activities in this facility are beneficial to them and to their mental health, and it's detrimental to their mental health when they don't. If we can get a message out there to somebody having a mental health crisis, these are the numbers to call if you need help.'
Chicago Tribune
22-04-2025
- General
- Chicago Tribune
Crown Point breaks ground on next phase of bike trail
Earth Day was on the calendar and in the mind of at least one participant at the groundbreaking held Tuesday for the next phase of the Veterans Memorial Bike Trail. Dale Brier, Deputy Director at Indiana Department of Natural Resources' Division of State Parks, spoke briefly at the ceremony held at the intersection of Grant and Monitor streets. Brier said he couldn't think of a more perfect day to celebrate the start of a new bike trail. 'Thanks to all participants. Happy Earth Day,' Brier said. This next bike trail phase, approximately one mile, will connect a section of the Crown Point trail that is already completed. The new trail will run east from the Erie-Lackawanna Trail along Summit Street and connect to the current Veterans Memorial Trail at Indiana Avenue and North Street, near the Sportsplex. The new trail is expected to be completed by this fall, city officials said. Crown Point Mayor Pete Land said going forward with the new bike trail 'a quality of life' issue for those who reside in the city and those who visit the city. He thanked all those who were part of the project including the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission (NIRPC), engineers and city officials. 'We can't do this ourselves. It takes a partnership and team effort,' Land said. The city was awarded a grant for the extension through the State of Indiana's Next Level Trails Program. 'We are looking forward to completing this part of the trail,' he said. Land also thanked veterans, including those from the American Legion who came to the event and were asked to participate in the ceremonial shoveling of dirt to start the project. 'It means a lot that you are here backing us up,' he said. Mitch Barloga, the active transportation planner for NIRPC, called the bike trail 'a great step forward going through the heart of an older historic city.' Barloga spoke of the many years that go into the start and finish with initial planning for this project going back some 25 years. 'I'm excited to say the least,' Barloga said. Barloga said he was also honored to bring honor to those who served. 'We believe we have the first trail dedicated to veterans,' he said. The first phase of the Veterans Memorial Bike Trail was completed in 2021. The entire trail will ultimately be 2.84 miles and will connect to both the Pennsy Greenway and the Erie Lackawanna bike trails. The trail generally follows the former Pennsylvania Railroad Corridor.
