Sporting competition is usually the sole focus at the Athletics and Recreation Centre but this Saturday the spotlight will also be on mental health awareness.

The Queen's Varsity Leadership Council (VLC) is hosting their second annual Mental Health Awareness Day at the ARC while the Gaels volleyball and basketball teams face their rivals. The event is a partnership between the VLC and jack.org.

The action starts with the women's and men’s volleyball teams hosting their rivals from the University of Toronto at 1 pm and 3 pm, respectively. At 6 pm the women's basketball squad take on Ryerson followed by the men’s teams at 8 pm.

Throughout both volleyball games there will be various mental health organizations on site to provide resources, information, and support systems available on campus and in the Kingston community. Groups who will be on hand include: Mental Health Awareness Committee, Peer Support Centre, Frontenac Community Mental Health and Addiction Services, jack.org Queen's Chapter and HCDS Peer Health Educators.

“As athletes, we have always understood the importance of taking care of our physical health and performance,” says VLC Executive of Involvement and sailing team member Oliver Neal. “However, as students and athletes in today’s society we have seen the increasing necessity for taking care of our mental health as well. This important facet has been overlooked for a long time, and we hope to use this event as leaders in the community to show our support for mental health awareness and the various organizations and volunteers that work to promote and protect our mental health.”

Varsity athletes can check in at the VLC table in the ARC student lounge where the first 75 athletes will receive a free t-shirt with the VLC athletes stand up for mental health awareness logo and a popcorn ticket for the game. T-shirts will be available starting at 12:45 pm.