Adaptive Sports Connection Addresses Youth Mental Health Crisis With Innovative Wellness Camp

August 8, 2025

MEDIA ADVISORY

WHAT: Adaptive Sports Connection (ASC) is integrating sports, outdoor adventure, music, art, and mindfulness into an innovative wellness program to address the growing mental health crisis facing today’s youth.

M-POWER Columbus is a multi-day interactive experience that combines adaptive sports, the arts, and positive self-talk 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. The day camp includes kayaking, adventure therapy, and creative exploration in nature.

WHO: Youth from central Ohio will take part in M-POWER Columbus. Adaptive Sports Connection has partnered with the following governmental, community, and health organizations, including Soul Life, Art Is Medicine, TALK BETTER, Franklin County Commissioners, City of Columbus Youth Grant, the Columbus Youth Foundation, Saint Mary School, 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 – Former President & CEO of Adaptive Sports Connection; founder of BrandWeavers for Health & Healthy-Txt. 
  • LaQuinta “Q” Haynes – Team USA Amputee Soccer World Cup athlete; Adaptive Sports Connection Outreach Coordinator.

WHEN: 

  • Tuesday, August 12, 2025; 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Saint Mary School, 700 S. Third St., Columbus, OH
  • Wednesday, August 13, 2025; 10 a.m. – 1 p.m, ASC Activity Center, 6000 Harriott Dr., Powell, OH
  • Thursday, August 14, 2025; 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., Saint Mary School, 700 S. Third St., Columbus, OH

Kids attending M-POWER will: 

  • Explore nature through kayaking
  • Create art installations through nature exploration
  • Take part in mindfulness on the water activities led by Dr. Jessica L. Hoehn, Nationwide Children’s Hospital
  • Co-write and perform their own individual songs
  • Take home a journal and fundamental tools for mental wellness

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. 

About ASC: Adaptive Sports Connection (ASC) is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1992 and located in Powell, Ohio. Dedicated to serving veterans, children, and adults with disabilities across the state through sports, outdoor, and therapeutic recreation, ASC is an active member of Move United. The organization’s mission is to break through limitations with adaptive innovation, ensuring people of all abilities, the health benefits, freedom, and sense of belonging from recreation and outdoor experiences.

Contact:
Su Lok
614-359-9376
su@adaptivesportsconnection.org