Wildcats Ready for Fifth Annual Bench Out The Stigma

By Paige Edmier
Special to UNHWildcats.com

On Sunday, April 2 from 2-4 p.m. in the Jerry Azumah Performance Center at the University of New Hampshire's Field House, the fifth annual Bench Out The Stigma will be hosted by the UNH Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.

This fundraiser is a way to raise awareness for mental health issues in college students.

SAAC President and member of the women's hockey team Ava Boutilier (Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island) has been involved in this initiative for six years.

"I helped start this event in the Spring 2018 and have been one of the leads in this event every year since! I'm hoping to go out with a hugely successful event this year," said Boutilier.

As a student-athlete, Boutilier is an advocate for bringing awareness to mental health.

"I have struggled with mental health concerns myself, specifically anxiety and depression and I have witnessed many of my teammates, family members and friends go through similar struggles. As student-athletes, it is important to support one another and know that it is okay to not be okay!"

Participants will form teams of four and will compete in weight lifting competitions. The lifting contests will be Most Impressive Lift and Most Repetitions Done. Teams will also be competing for Most Enthusiastic Team and Best Costume, showing that this fundraiser is not only about lifting weights, but coming together to create a fun atmosphere. REGISTER HERE

Boutilier and her women's hockey teammates at the 2019 Bench Out The Stigma

The cost of admissions is $5 per person and all proceeds from Bench Out The Stigma will benefit Morgan's Message. Morgan's Message strives to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health within the student-athlete community and equalize the treatment of physical and mental health in athletics. The group aims to expand the dialogue on mental health by normalizing conversations, empowering those who suffer in silence and supporting those who feel alone.

The continued success of Bench Out The Stigma has given SAAC the chance to collaborate with various organization including Connor's Climb, The Benny Fund, UMH Psychological and Counseling Services, UNH Health and Wellness, The Hidden Opponent (UNH Division), National Alliance on Mental Illness (UNH Division) and Morgan's Message.

With the collaborations of these various organizations and their support of raising awareness about the importance of mental health, Boutilier wants to set a record attendance this year.

Through this event, Boutilier and SAAC look to unify students from every background here at UNH, athletic or not, in an event that promotes the mental and physical wellbeing of each and every person.

"This year, we are hoping to set an attendance record at Bench Out The Stigma! Additionally, we have formed strong partnerships with various local mental health organizations, and we are lucky to have many of these organizations coming to BOTS. We are looking to continuing to build on these partnerships for BOTS 2023 and beyond!" said Boutilier.

Come and join the fun on Sunday, April 2 from 2-4 p.m. at Bench Out The Stigma while wearing your best costume and lifting weights, all while supporting and raising awareness for mental health.

To learn more about #WildcatsCare presented by Kennebunk Savings go here.

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