Rattlers take part in ACAC mental health campaign

By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on January 20, 2022.

The Medicine Hat College Rattlers and Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference are partnering with RBC again to promote the seventh annual ‘Make Some Noise’ for Mental Health campaign.

The campaign, which started Monday and runs until Feb. 13, aims to promote mental health awareness and reduce the stigma associated with mental health concerns.

Initiated at SAIT in Calgary in Jan. 2015, the campaign promotes mental health awareness on 17 post-secondary campuses in 15 Alberta and Saskatchewan communities.

“Since the pandemic began, experiencing ups and downs with mental health and wellness has become a reality,” Jeff Boyd, regional president of RBC in Alberta and the Territories said in an ACAC release Monday.

“We’re pleased to be able to partner with ACAC on this meaningful campaign that encourages empathy, understanding and open-mindedness. We remain committed to supporting youth, and the well-being of our communities.”

This year the ACAC says it is modifying the campaign in an extraordinary and meaningful manner.

Instead of directing student-athletes with campaign activations that prescribe ‘how’ to Make Some Noise, the 2022 campaign empowers student-athletes to creatively demonstrate how they choose to Make Some Noise. Students are being challenged to plan and execute student-led projects that meet campaign objectives. To incentivize the efforts of student-athletes, RBC is awarding $13,000 in prize money deposited directly into team accounts. Member institutions will also be hosting live dedicated MSN game nights throughout the campaign period.

The Rattlers ‘Make Some Noise’ game nights are Feb. 3, when the women’s and men’s basketball teams host the Briercrest Clippers and Feb. 5 when the women’s and men;s volleyball teams host the Ambrose University Lions.

“The ACAC is excited about this new and significant twist on our very successful MSN campaign”, said ACAC chief executive officer Mark Kosak. “We are looking forward to seeing the creativity and passion of our student-athletes on full display as they decide how to impact a cause they care so deeply about”

“ACAC student-athletes have demonstrated in the past the importance of this annual campaign. With the added stress, pressures and uncertainty created by the COVID-19 pandemic, many more have been personally touched or witnessed mental health challenges in others. Thanks to our loyal partners at RBC for understanding the need to continue to support our youth in their efforts to cope with this ever-changing world.”

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