Nonprofit to host first event to support mental health in sports

Aug 6

The Chosen Ones GR will host its annual fundraiser, Beyond the Game, on Friday, August 15, from 6 to 8 p.m., at Madison Place, 1401 Madison Ave. SE in Grand Rapids. Designed to serve as both a community education forum and a fundraising event, Beyond the Game will feature a panel of mental health professionals discussing identity, mental and emotional wellness, purpose, and passion beyond sports, as well as faith, character, and resilience for student athletes.

The event is designed for athletic directors, coaches, parents, and student athletes to participate in an evening focused on mental health education and empowerment. Attendees will leave with practical tools to support young athletes in building character, managing pressure, and developing a healthy identity both on and off the field.

“Beyond the Game is where we witness what’s possible when young athletes feel seen, supported, and equipped,” said Wes Trammell, Executive Director, The Chosen Ones GR. “But the work doesn’t stop there. We’re inviting the community to step in as gamechangers, to help us shape character, not just players.”

The evening’s keynote address will be delivered by Josh Samarco, M.Ed, Director at the Center for Intercultural Development at Calvin University. A moderated panel discussion will follow, featuring:

Samuel Jones, MA, LPA – Lead Therapist, Wisdom Center Counseling Services
Lariesha Lee, LLMSW – Clinical Therapist, Founder of LeadHer Well Village PLLC
Ardrace Morris, MS, MA, TLLP – Limited Licensed Psychologist, 1 Verse Counseling
Nikki Trammell, LMSW – Assistant Athletic Director of Student Athlete Mental Health, Wayne State University

The panel will be moderated by Shanda Vaughn.

As part of the event, The Chosen Ones GR will preview its upcoming campaign, Gamechangers Needed, launching on Monday, August 18. The two-month campaign aims to raise $10,000 to support youth programming during the school year at the Gerald R. Ford Academic Center and the LifeQuest Urban Outreach Center.

Founded in 2022, The Chosen Ones GR serves Black and Brown student athletes ages 13–17 in Grand Rapids’ 49507 zip code. The organization empowers youth to develop a growth mindset, navigate life’s pressures, and build a healthy identity beyond sports.

The registration deadline is Monday, August 11. All proceeds will support The Chosen Academy, a program that provides athletic training, mental wellness resources, and mentorship for student athletes. For more information, visit www.thechosenonesgr.com/btg.

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