The West Ranch Tennis community hosted a charity tournament for the noble cause of suicide prevention and awareness on Sept. 9. Held at West Ranch’s Tennis courts, the charity event was scheduled to take place a day before National Suicide Prevention Day.
Organized to be a bracket-style tournament, participants would sign up with a partner and compete against other doubles after paying a 20-dollar admission fee. Participation was encouraged with the grand prize; an Amazon gift card, and snacks and drinks that were to be provided.
Arranged by Game. Set. Hope., a non-profit organization made by West Ranch students, Ethan Park, Arav Shah and Kaden Sasaki. Using their combined interest in tennis, they hoped to gather students for the common goal of serving unity for mental health and youth empowerment through fundraisers and non-profit sports events.
When asked why he decided to start this organization, Park explained, “Game. Set. Hope. is a nonprofit organization based on those fighting the war on mental health. I first thought of the idea in June, but as I researched more, I realized how much more help was needed for the cause. Since I’m in the school’s Varsity Tennis Team, it just seemed like the answer to connect tennis to a noble cause.”
Game. Set. Hope. gained massive support from students, parents and even public figures. Alongside the tennis coaches and parents who helped run the event, students from Valencia High School, Golden Valley High School, and Stevenson Ranch Elementary attended the event to show their support. Establishments like Be The Difference SCV and the West Ranch Wellness Center were more than happy to support the cause. Other organizations, like The Jed Foundation and NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Health), were also excited to assist with the sport and charity synergy event.
Dustin Kua, a trainee in Clinical Psychology at Pepperdine and a former Division 1 tennis player at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, also attended the event; not only as a player but as a motivational guest speaker. Discussing the importance of optimism and a growing mindset, Kua provided key insight into the need for athletes to realize the line between their lives and sports.
He clarified, “My main goal was to come to the games, eliminate the stigma and emphasize the importance of mental health.” Kua explains, “But on a deeper note, I hope my message portrayed the idea that students, and especially athletes, can find a more positive insight into their lives if they examine their perspectives. Knowing when your sport is taking over your life and when it is more harmful than good is an important skill that a lot of young athletes lack.”
As the event came to an end, the participants left with a deeper understanding of mental health and a special newfound bond with the tennis athletes. Game. Set. Hope. plans to continue their operation and hope to spread more awareness and funds for their cause.
