Founder Bob Wilkie understands first-hand the devastating effects of mental health issues that are left unaddressed. As part of the hockey culture during the 70’s and 80’s where mental wellness was never discussed or given any notice, he felt unsafe to ever address his emotions. It brought shame and guilt that felt worse than the unresolved struggles. This lead to his mental health struggles at a very young age.
This was all compounded when as part of the devastating 1986 Swift Current Bronco’s bus accident that took 4 of his team members lives, his mental health took a real hit. He felt incredible unsafe to speak to anyone and it got worse.
The constant unmet expectations, pressures to perform, and inability to talk about what he was feelings led to severe depression, self-abuse and harm, substance abuse and prolonged thoughts of suicide. His career ended with a great deal of disappointment and regret.
After years of healing and restoring his own mental wellness, he felt ‘called’ to go back into the hockey culture and attempt to change things.
In 2008, while coaching a travelling hockey team, he realized just how much the young athletes and their parents were struggling with the same emotional issues he and his family had dealt with.
Despite all the challenges he knew he would face, he felt inspired to act. He sold his hockey pro shop business, received his certification as a life coach and began his journey to help provide insights and healing to sports organizations throughout North America.
15 years later Bob is still on a mission to provide education and awareness to improve mental wellness in sports and in life. He has assembled a team of top Sports Professionals and Mental Health Professionals to help develop and facilitate these life changing programs.
His award-winning Youth Sports Program, Workplace Wellness Program and Education Programs have changed thousands of lives.