ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) – The ASPIRE Behavioral Health Mental Health Clubhouse for teens and young adults hosted its first annual sports day on Albany State University’s west campus. The Aspire Games were held to raise awareness of mental health in children.

The ASPIRE Clubhouse aims to end the stigma of mental health issues and illness in children and young adults. To start a discussion about mental health among families in South Georgia, the ASPIRE Clubhouse hosted an Olympic-style sports day with food, music, relay races and other games.

“We’re just competing, it’s a friendly competition to raise awareness. Of course, the winner gets a nice big trophy. But this is one of many events we run throughout the year to bridge the gap between those who are suffering in silence,” said Marlon Jones, Program Manager for ASPIRE Mental Health Clubhouse.

In between competitions, speakers took the stage to share facts and stories about mental health. Marlon and the rest of the Aspire community hope to continue this event in the future. ASPIRE hopes to have more local organizations join in next year to raise awareness and end the stigma of mental illness in children.

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