I attended a key note speech at the conference yesterday. The write-up in the conference brochure did not initially strike me as too exciting. It was a hockey big shot talking about some project that was promoted by the hockey and entertainment power group in this area. I thought " Ha! One more feel good, look good community involvement plug." but I was so wrong.
The amazing speaker was Craig Heisinger, the senior vice president and director of hockey operations for the Winnipeg Jets of the National Hockey League. Heisinger talked about his close friendship and mentorship with an incredible young player who advanced in hockey and about the player's issues with anxiety, depression and other mental Health issues.
Project 11 is an initiative started in memory and honor of Manitoba Hockey Player Rick Rypien who died of depression at the height of his career. It is a program aimed at students from grades 5 to 8 and designed to promote mental health awareness and teach positive healthy coping skills.
Please Check out their website http://www.projecteleven.ca/ for more information and some inspiration.
The following video is truly excellent. It is well worth watching.
