There should be some good basketball at WCI and Bluevale
this weekend for the 3rd annual Jacob Ranton Memorial Basketball in
tournament. In fact, I’d argue that 7 of
the top 10 CWOSSA Senior Boys’ teams will be in attendance, highlighted by the
Eastwood Rebels and St. Mary’s Eagles, who could potentially meet in the
tournament final (which would be a must see!) should everything go well for those teams.
That said, the tournament, named in honour of former WCI and
Memorial University star Jacob Ranton, who took his own life in December, 2014,
is more than just basketball – it’s about continuing to break barriers and the
stigma that is still associated with mental health. Although things have certainly progressed in
a positive manner over the last few years, there’s still a long way to go.
For example, people don’t hesitate to take some medicine
when they have a cold or flu, but despite estimates of 1 in 4 adults suffering
from a diagnosable mental disorder, less than half receive treatment.
That’s a lot of people potentially suffering in silence.
“Hopefully by us dialoging, talking about mental health,
suicide prevention and raising funds for suicide prevention, we can help him (Jacob)
allow other kids not to feel the pain he did and ask for help when needed,”
Jacob’s dad, Doug Ranton, told the 570News’ Mike Farwell show.
As has been communicated by the Rantons during their talks
to students and athletes at the event, “it’s OK to not be OK.”
The tournament raises funds for the Waterloo Region Suicide
Prevention Council. With a goal of
$15,000, over $14,000 has already been raised as of the time of writing. You can donate here, or pay a visit to the
tournament this weekend and bid on a number of great silent auction items.
Here 24/7 -- (844) 437-3247 -- is a number available anytime to
call to access addictions, mental health and crisis services – the service is
partnered with 12 agencies across Waterloo/Wellington.
Stay tuned to my twitter feed, @CWOSSABBall, for results and
info.
