Wildcats to Bench Out the Stigma

By Kaylin Moriarty
Special to UNHWildcats.com

On Sunday, April 7 at noon the University of New Hampshire's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) will host the sixth annual Bench Out the Stigma event to raise awareness for mental health in college students.

Each year students from across campus gather in the Jerry Azumah Performance Center to fundraise and take part in a series of weightlifting competitions. The competitions will include the heaviest bench, most reps, most enthusiastic and best team costume, and the entry fee will be $5 per person.

Sally Rainey, SAAC co-president and member of the UNH women's soccer team, explained that attendees can expect to see many of the typical competitions at Bench Out the Stigma in addition to some new and exciting things this year.

"There will be one new competition this year, which is a planking competition," said Rainey "We wanted to try and make it more welcoming and inclusive for those who want to participate but do not feel comfortable benching. You can also expect to see many partners and vendors tabling and talking about mental health. Finally, attendees can expect lots of fun prizes from local businesses!"

Another exciting partnership happening at this year's Bench Out the Stigma event is with UNH alum and former SAAC President Nelson Thomas, a member of the committee that established Bench Out the Stigma. Thomas, alongside his wife Baylee Sacco-Thomas, created a non-profit organization, The Sacco-Thomas Foundation. The Sacco-Thomas Foundation draws awareness to Early Onset Alzheimer's (EOA) and all proceeds from this year's Bench Out the Stigma will be donated to this organization.

"It is great to be able to form a connection with amazing alumni who are continuing the fight for mental health advocacy. We are hoping for an appearance from the pair at the event as well," said Rainey.

Mental health advocacy is important to Rainey and members of SAAC. Rainey explained that the overarching goal of Bench Out the Stigma is to create a safe space for people to learn and have conversations about mental health in college athletics and beyond.

"Mental health is as real as physical health. This needs to continue to be emphasized and discussed until it becomes a natural occurrence," said Rainey.

SAAC is looking forward to a successful turnout this year and hopes to see many members of the UNH community at Bench Out the Stigma. For those interested in participating in this year's event the sign-up link can be found here.

"While this event began as athlete-centered, BOTS is so much more than just college athletics," said Rainey. "We want as many people to come and participate in either the benching or planking competitions!"

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