The University of Toronto Varsity Blues are proud to partner with the U of T SAMHI (Student-Athlete Mental Health Initiative) organization for the first-ever 'Mental Health Matchup' weekend, February 5-6.

The purpose of this weekend is to raise awareness of mental health and illness in sport, connect students with mental health resources available both on-campus and in the community, and raise funds to support the cause.

Fourth-year track and field veteran Danielle Delage has helped lead the development of the U of T chapter and this event.

"Student-athletes face tremendous pressure when it comes to performing well in school and in sport," said the 2015 OUA women's pentathlon champion. "Often student-athletes neglect their mental health as they prioritize physical performance in their sport. Raising awareness not only of mental health issues, but local resources, will encourage athletes to seek advice if they are in need."

The event kicks off at the Varsity Blues basketball doubleheader versus the Brock Badgers on Friday night at 6 and 8 p.m. The U of T SAMHI team will be selling raffle tickets, doing a halftime presentation and all proceeds from the fling-a-ring competition will help support the cause.

SAMHI will then head to the Athletic Centre on Saturday for the Sharon Anderson Memorial meet, where they will team up with the Do It For Darren group during the afternoon of track and field events.

The weekend caps off at the men's hockey game versus Ryerson on Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. Following a ceremonial puck drop, all proceeds from the raffle sales and chuck-a-puck contest during the second intermission will be donated to the cause.

"I think that student-athletes with mental health issues have a hard time opening up about how they feel as they think it will create a problem for themselves, their friends, their coaches and their teammates," added Delage. "An important step in resolving mental health issues is realizing you would benefit from some external support; to me this is not a problem, but rather a solution."

For more information, visit the U of T SAMHI Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/UofTSAMHI

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