ASC Addresses Youth Mental Health Crisis With Innovative New Immersive Wellness Program

May 16, 2025

MEDIA ADVISORY

 WHAT: Adaptive Sports Connection (ASC) is integrating sports, outdoor adventure, music, art, positive self-talk, and mindfulness into innovative wellness programs to address the growing mental health crisis in today’s youth. In partnership with leaders in the wellness area, ASC is creating comprehensive solutions for the mental health issues facing children. 

M-POWER Columbus is a one-day interactive experience that combines adaptive sports, artistic expression, music, and mindfulness to build resilience and promote mental wellness in youth of all abilities. During this immersive experience, children will engage with international artists, musicians, and adaptive athletes, while discovering their own inner strength. 

WHO: Hundreds of youth will take part in M-POWER Columbus. Adaptive Sports Connection has partnered with the following governmental, community, and health organizations to bring this program to central Ohio: Soul Life, Art Is Medicine, TALK BETTER, Franklin County Commissioners, City of Columbus Youth Grant, the Columbus Youth Foundation, Boys and Girls Club Central Ohio, Saint Mary School, Stowe Mission, and the Kids Mental Health Foundation. 

M-POWER was developed by the groundbreaking work of the following: 

  • Luc Reynaud – International musician, founder of TALK BETTER, co-founder of The Goodness Tour, and songwriter of “The Freedom Song” (recorded by Grammy Award winner Jason Mraz). 
  • Benjamin Swatez, PhDc – Global muralist and trauma-healing leader, co-founder of The Goodness Tour, PhD candidate in Peace Building. 
  • Dr. Cheralyn “Chez” Leeby – Holistic trauma therapist & creative play therapy expert for 30+ years, founder of Soul Life, speaker, and author. 
  • Sharon Bucey – President & CEO of Adaptive Sports Connection, founder of BrandWeavers for Health & Healthy-Txt. 
  • LaQuinta “Q” Haynes – Team USA Amputee Soccer World Cup athlete. 

WHEN: 

  • Wednesday, May 21, 2025, 3 – 7 p.m. Boys and Girls Club, 85 Clarendon Ave, Columbus, OH 
  • Thursday, May 22, 2025, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Saint Mary School, 700 S. Third St, Columbus, OH 

Kids attending M-POWER will: 

  • Practice the Compliment Shower to build positive self-talk 
  • Create live art and co-write a song 
  • Turn a soccer ball into a symbol of personal strength 
  • Learn how adapting opens new possibilities 
  • Take home a journal and fundamental tools for mental wellness 

M-POWER will continue later in August 2025 with a 3-day immersive camp at ASC’s Adventure & Wellness Lodge. The camp will include kayaking, adventure therapy, and creative exploration in nature. 

WHY: The alarming statistics around the mental health of today’s youth: 

  • 1 in 5 children are diagnosed with a mental health disorder, yet less than half receive care. 
  • 44% of Ohio high school students report persistent “sadness” or “hopelessness” 
  • Children with physical and cognitive disabilities are five times more likely to experience mental health challenges. 
  • Suicide is the second leading cause of death among youth ages 10-24. 

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