Team Canada’s Kendra Fisher to speak on mental health journey

North Bay, ON – Tonight at 6 p.m., Nipissing University and Canadore College will welcome former Team Canada hockey goalie, Kendra Fisher, to campus for an inspiring talk about her personal mental health journey and the importance of connection. The event, part of Fisher’s North American post-secondary speaking tour, will take place in the Nipissing Theatre (F213, 100 College Drive, North Bay) and is open to the public.

Fisher is a past member of Team Canada’s hockey program, a three-time world inline hockey champion, CEO of Mentally Fit, professional speaker, and author in the making.

“We’re thrilled that Kendra is able to make a stop in North Bay for this important conversation on mental health and for our students and broader community to have the opportunity to learn from her lived experiences and the strategies that helped her through some very challenging times,” said Casey Phillips, Assistant Vice-President, Students, Nipissing University.

“All students, athletes, and members of the college community are, above all else, whole people. Kendra recognizes that, to be successful, we need to look at all elements of our lives, including opportunities that come from difficult and challenging situations,” said Shawn Chorney, Canadore College Vice President, Strategic Infrastructure, Indigenous and Learner Services. “Canadore is honoured to welcome Kendra and to learn from her incredible example and experiences.”

Fisher’s journey, although full of challenges, allows her to educate audiences on topics that most choose to face in silence and will be of particular interest to fellow athletes.

“Athletes, despite their physical fitness, activity, and health, can suffer mental health problems like anyone else,” said Ryan Drouin, Canadore College Manager, Career Development, Sport and Wellness. “When an athlete is physically injured they seek treatment from health care professionals to get back into the game as soon as they can. When they suffer from a mental health problem, however, they could be less likely to ask for help to recover. Through her personal experience Kendra Fisher can help to motivate our athletes, in fact all of our students, to seek help when they are suffering.”

“It’s important for our athletes to know that taking care of their mental health is just as important as their physical health and that seeking help is a sign of strength,” shared Vito Castiglione, Director, Athletics, Nipissing University. “Kendra’s mental health journey is sure to resonate with our athletes and highlight the importance of seeking support, connection, and prioritizing mental health in order to be able to perform at their best in all areas of life.”

Admission to the event is free, with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. A livestream can also be accessed at www.nipissingu.ca/kendrafisher.

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Nipissing University Media Contact:
Carly Johnston
Communications Officer
Nipissing University
(705) 474-3450 ext. 4035
communications@nipissingu.ca

Canadore College Media Contact:
Cindy Males
Public Relations and Communications Specialist
Canadore College
705-475-2538
Cindy.Males@canadorecollege.ca