September 8, 2022
OUA partners with Payton Shank to deliver enhanced mental health content
Burlington, Ont. - Ontario University Athletics (OUA) is pleased to partner with Payton Shank, former women's rugby student-athlete from McMaster University, to launch enhanced mental health focused content during the 2022-23 season.
"I am so excited to be working with the OUA on this new, very important project," said Shank. "Mental health is something that impacts everyone in different ways and having the resources available to allow people to learn about this topic, as well as express themselves and have a space to feel safe in, is so essential to our overall well-being."
The Cambridge, Ont. native has been an active member of both the McMaster University and OUA communities during her post-secondary tenure, which has spanned roles with the McMaster Athletics & Recreation Black Leaders in Sport and Anti-Racism Advisory Group, as well as the OUA's Black, Biracial, and Indigenous Committee.
Within these roles, Shank has been a leading voice, and drawing from her own experiences both during and after her time as a student-athlete, has been focused on ensuring everyone within these communities feels supported, including all of those struggling with their mental health.
"Payton has been an incredible advocate for the importance of mental health," said Chris Verlaan, OUA Manager of Digital & Communications, "and thanks to her openness and passion within the space, has been a true leader in bringing the conversation to the forefront within university sport and beyond."
In partnership with the OUA, Shank will help lead the enhanced focus on mental health, with everything from check-ins and grounding exercises to resources and shared experiences. The focus of this weekly content will be to not only inform, but to inspire a safe space wherein people feel comfortable with what they are feeling and confident in being themselves.
Finished Verlaan, "The OUA is thrilled to be working with Payton on this new initiative and hopes to see even more student-athletes become inspired by this weekly content."
Stay tuned to the OUA channels throughout the 2022-23 season for more mental health related content.
"I am so excited to be working with the OUA on this new, very important project," said Shank. "Mental health is something that impacts everyone in different ways and having the resources available to allow people to learn about this topic, as well as express themselves and have a space to feel safe in, is so essential to our overall well-being."
The Cambridge, Ont. native has been an active member of both the McMaster University and OUA communities during her post-secondary tenure, which has spanned roles with the McMaster Athletics & Recreation Black Leaders in Sport and Anti-Racism Advisory Group, as well as the OUA's Black, Biracial, and Indigenous Committee.
Within these roles, Shank has been a leading voice, and drawing from her own experiences both during and after her time as a student-athlete, has been focused on ensuring everyone within these communities feels supported, including all of those struggling with their mental health.
"Payton has been an incredible advocate for the importance of mental health," said Chris Verlaan, OUA Manager of Digital & Communications, "and thanks to her openness and passion within the space, has been a true leader in bringing the conversation to the forefront within university sport and beyond."
In partnership with the OUA, Shank will help lead the enhanced focus on mental health, with everything from check-ins and grounding exercises to resources and shared experiences. The focus of this weekly content will be to not only inform, but to inspire a safe space wherein people feel comfortable with what they are feeling and confident in being themselves.
Finished Verlaan, "The OUA is thrilled to be working with Payton on this new initiative and hopes to see even more student-athletes become inspired by this weekly content."
Stay tuned to the OUA channels throughout the 2022-23 season for more mental health related content.
