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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Ben DuBose

Vernon Maxwell Initiative hosts symposium, golf tournament to benefit athletes’ mental health

Mental Health Golf Rockets Metta World Peace DJ Augustin Trevor Ariza NBA

HOUSTON — The Vernon Maxwell Initiative held its inaugural golf tournament and Mental Health Symposium this week, with event organizers describing each event as a resounding success.

Led by the former NBA player, who won the 1994 championship with the Houston Rockets, Wednesday’s golf tournament was filled with friendly competition, camaraderie, and a shared commitment to advancing mental health awareness within the sports community.

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“My goal was to provide athletes with a supportive space where they feel heard and can find help for their mental well-being and progress,” Maxwell said to reporters.

Participants included former NBA players Metta World Peace, Otis Thorpe, Mario Elie, Gerald Green, DJ Augustin, Derek Harper, Cadillac Anderson, Ryan Hollins, and Trevor Ariza; former NFL players Yancey Thigpen and Vince Young; Houston City Council member Amanda Edwards; and professional long driver and 2022 XLD Texas League champion John Zook, whose team finished first.

“Metta coming and being a part of the symposium was big,” Maxwell said. “I’m really happy that my former teammates like Mario Elie and Otis Thorpe, and my young guys like Trevor Ariza and DJ Augustin, came and played. It means a lot that everyone came to support.”

“Life Enhancement Services and DraftKings were a huge help for this tournament, and I can’t wait for this to expand and grow,” Maxwell said of his fuutre plans. “Mental health is real, and the Vernon Maxwell Initiative is an opportunity for me to help not just athletes but people from all walks of life understand that it’s okay to ask for help. Your mind should be worked out, just like your body.”

Going forward, the initiative’s golf tournament will be an annual event, with Maxwell continuing to dedicate himself to fostering accessible and viable mental health options for athletes of all ages.

Here’s a roundup of photos and videos from this week’s activities.

 

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