Nonprofit Uses Basketball Camp to Engage Students in Mental Health Lessons

ATLANTA, Texas – Students gathered at a basketball camp in Atlanta on Thursday to learn about more than just shooting and scoring.

The HOPE Initiative team has joined the Dallas chapter of the National Basketball Retired Players Association to help train students in mental health skills they will need in life. The NBA veterans hope to use their platforms to equip students with life and social skills such as leadership, teamwork and mental toughness.

A large group of Atlanta ISD “ACE Summer Academy” students met in the gym to not only get basketball practice, but also learn important mental health skills. Special guests were former NBA players Willie Davis and Morlon Wiley.

Over the past two days, students have met with the HOPE Initiative team to discuss mental health awareness and resources. Organizers hope that students will not only remember the fun they had this week, but also words of encouragement.

“We really want kids to know who they are and what they can become as they continue to grow,” Davis said.

“Since the pandemic, there has been a lot of mental stress that no one has been able to cope with. “I hope that when they leave here they will know that there is always someone they can turn to if they are having a hard time,” said Shelly Waldon of Atlanta, ISD ACE Project Director.

The goal of the HOPE Initiative is to help students develop character, student behavior, academic confidence and community involvement.

The Dallas chapter of the National Basketball Retired Players Association is hosting about 20 basketball camps this summer.