Ethan Park, a West Ranch Excessive Faculty senior, with the assistance of his buddies is internet hosting his second annual “Sport. Set. Hope.” charity tennis match on Sept. 7 to lift funds and consciousness for psychological well being. The match is scheduled to be held on the West Ranch Excessive Faculty tennis courts from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
A little bit over a yr in the past, Park and his household went via the tragedy of dropping two members of the family on account of suicide. By his grief final yr, Park got here up with the concept of internet hosting a charity tennis match to lift funds for the JED Basis, a New York-based nonprofit began by dad and mom who misplaced their youngest son to suicide, and the Nationwide Alliance on Psychological Sickness.
“That was an enormous, pivotal second in my life, in my household’s lives,” mentioned Park. “I spotted how psychological well being is so vital in our lives. I spotted that I wanted to do one thing about it and with the encouragement of my dad and mom and my motivation to wish to do one thing for my group and faculty I got here up with the concept of doing ‘Sport. Set. Hope.’”
Park’s mission was to create an occasion the place folks may come out and help a very good trigger whereas having a very good time. With the assistance of his buddies, the match will embrace video games facet by facet, snacks, and visitor speaker Dustin Kua, a Pepperdine Graduate Faculty of Schooling and Psychology pupil and present tennis coach, who will communicate on the significance of psychological well being.
Park mentioned having his coach communicate once more this yr is particular to him as a result of a coach and athlete have a sure bond. Not solely does a coach educate you find out how to play the sport but in addition they present you find out how to find out about your self. They aid you navigate life via the wins and losses of the sport.
“My coach who mentored me and helped me be assured. He taught me the talents I must get higher on the recreation and to enhance my well-being,” mentioned Park.
To take part within the match, tickets are $25 and could be bought on the group’s web site: gamesethope.org. No expertise is required to enroll. Park invitations folks of all ages and ranges of expertise to return and help the trigger.
This yr the funds raised might be donated to the Nationwide Alliance on Psychological Sickness.
Park hopes this occasion will proceed within the years to return whether or not or not it’s led by him, one other teammate, or presumably his youthful sister. The principle focus is to achieve as many individuals as attainable and present them their psychological well being issues.
West Ranch Excessive Faculty tennis courts are positioned at 26255 Valencia Blvd.
