Youth mental health service ReachOut launches annual fundraising event - Laps for Life
Today, Olympic gold medalist Ian Thorpe AM is calling on people across Australia to take part in Laps for Life this month in support of youth mental health service ReachOut. For broadcast quality videos, audios and high-res images, please visit the Multimedia News Release: http://news.medianet.com.au/reachout/lapsforlife2023
Whether new to the water or a competitive swimmer, Olympic champion Thorpey is challenging people of all ages to make a splash from today until 31 March and swim laps at a pool or beach to raise critical funds for, and awareness about, youth mental health and suicide prevention.
Thorpey, ReachOut Board Member, Patron and Ambassador for Laps for Life, said: "40% of young people in Australia are experiencing mental health difficulties and suicide remains the leading cause of death for young people in this country. These stats don't shock us anymore and they can actually make us feel helpless.
"I want everyone to know that there is something you can do. This March, jump into the pool or the ocean and take part in Laps for Life. You'll be raising funds so that ReachOut can continue to support young people to feel better when life doesn't go as planned. Talking about mental health and suicide prevention, taking action and moving your body are all great things to do to support the mental health of young people across Australia and your own wellbeing too.
"Remember you don't have to be an Olympian to get involved. Set your own challenge and have some fun," he said.
Ashley de Silva, CEO of ReachOut, said: "Laps for Life isn't just a fundraising event. It's become an incredible community of swimmers from across Australia who are all linked by their passion for swimming and supporting young people when it comes to their mental health and suicide prevention. Once again, we are so excited to see what this year's participants can achieve in the water. The ReachOut team is incredibly grateful for the commitment of each and every swimmer, the stories shared and the funds raised," he said.
Laps for Life is open to everyone across Australia and is easy to take part in. People can get involved by visiting lapsforlife.com.au and signing up as an individual, or as a team.
