The Virginia Sports Hall of Fame, and the Coastal Virginia chapter of NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) invite you to attend Changing the Game; a discussion on Mental Health and Sports.
Mental illness knows no boundaries, and those in the sporting world are not immune. Many high profile athletes have publicly discussed their personal struggles with mental health. The Hall of Fame and NAMI want to continue to decrease the stigma associated with mental illness.
As part of Mental Health Awareness Month, Changing the Game will provide first hand stories of struggle and strength, clinical perspective on how sports organizations are addressing the issue, and what is being done on the legislative front to improve awareness and education. Attendees will hear from former athletes, current clinical professionals, and local and state legislators.
Much has been done in recent years to break down barriers, however the stigma still remains. Changing the Game is another step in the process of fostering a conversation on mental health, and providing an educational resource to the public to better understand this complex issue.
Changing the Game is part of the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame’s 2019 Program and Events Series, presented by Priority Automotive Group, The Priority Toyota Charity Bowl, and Priorities for Change. Additional partners include Virginia Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau, Virginia Beach Department of Economic Development, Optima Health, White Claw Hard Seltzer, Riesbeck Contracting, W.F. Magann Corporation, AdImpact Marketing, and the Ping Pong for Charity Foundation.
About the Speakers
Eugene Holloman – Author of, The Athlete-Student, and former James Madison University running back
Aaron Rouse – Current Virginia Beach City Councilman, former Virginia Tech and NFL defensive back
Delegate Cheryl Turpin – Representing the 85th District from Virginia Beach in the Virginia General Assembly, and advocate for state mental health initiatives
Dr. Gary Bennett – Assistant Athletic Director and Licensed Clinical and Sports Psychologist, Virginia Tech Athletics. Virginia Tech was one of the first NCAA programs to support a position devoted specifically to sports psychology.
Dr. Scott Sautter – Board Certified Neuropsychologist. Norfolk Admirals Team Doctor. Concussion consultant for the College of William and Mary and Virginia Wesleyan University Athletics Departments. Chairman of the Board, Ping Pong for Charity Foundation, which supports brain health and mental fitness.
Dr. Melissa Tamburo – Director of Employee Assistance Program for Optima Health. Dr. Tamburo has a broad range of expertise including conducting quality analyses, demonstrating outcomes, network development, and providing clinical services to individuals and groups.
Dr. Claire LeBlanc – Principal, Ocean Lakes High School. Former athletic trainer and coach in Virginia Beach Public Schools.
C. Douglas Finney – LCSW, Finney Zimmerman Psychiatric Associates. Peak Performance Coach, has worked with ODU Football.
Tickets: $10 for adults. $5 for 18 and under
