Program
Kids in
Therapeutic Sports
Supporting youth mental health in the Black community through sports is a game-changer, and the Colorado Black Health Collaborative is doing just that! It’s not just about scoring on the field; it’s about empowering young minds. The Kids in Therapeutic Sports program creates a space where mental well-being and resilience come first.
The after-school program aims to drive and maintain positive change for Colorado’s Black and BIPOC youth by integrating mental health initiatives, group therapy services, and psychiatric oversight and assessments through sports-based activities over seven weeks.
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KITS
Holistic Approach
Implementing a sports-based youth program to support the mental health of Black student-athletes is more than just a strategy; it's a holistic approach that recognizes the unique challenges they often face, both on and off the field.
Schools partnering with the CBHC for the implementation of Kids in Therapeutic Sports receive a program that embraces:
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Cultural Relevance
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Physical and Mental Wellness Connection
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Community and Identity Building
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Stress Reduction and Coping Mechanisms
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Team Support and Camaraderie
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Empowerment Through Achievement
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Leadership Development
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Healthy Goal Setting
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Accessible Mental Health Resources
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Destigmatizing Mental Health Conversations
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Educational Opportunities
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Lifelong Healthy Habits
We understand that addressing mental health issues in Black and BIPOC athletes is not just an investment in their well-being. It’s also an investment in cultivating resilient, empowered individuals who can face life’s challenges with strength, confidence, and a sense of community.
KITS
Program Impact
The initial pilot of the Kids in Therapeutic Sports program included 12 Montbello High School football student athletes. The program was conducted two times per week for seven weeks.
A post-pilot survey showed:
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90% of participants felt the program addressed specific challenges and concerns that are common among BiPOC athletes.
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90% felt participation in the program helped them develop a better understanding of mental health and its importance as a BiPOC athlete.
“Participation in group-related sports programs serves as a source to support child and adolescent mental health by decreasing mental health difficulties.”
(Hoffmann et al., 2022).