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Strong Minds

Competition provides a natural opportunity to develop positive and active strategies for maintaining emotional wellness under stress such as: thinking positive thoughts, releasing stress and connecting with others. Strong Minds helps athletes strengthen their coping skills across all facets of their life.

Athletes move through 5 stations on the following topics:

  1. -Stress and You
  2. -Strong Messaging
  3. -Strong Breathing
  4. -Strong Stretching
  5. -Strong Supporting

Our Goal

  • Increase awareness about active coping strategies
  • Identify strategies to use in competitions and daily living
  • Provide resources for athletes, coaches and caregivers
  • Promote positive conversations about stress, coping and emotional wellness

The Impact

Screenings found that a large percentage of athletes face significant stress on a daily basis, but have access to only a few positive and active coping strategies.

  • 12% have no coping strategies in place
  • 62% use avoidant strategies which is associated with increased depression
  • 26% use active strategies to feel better which promotes well-being

Special Olympics North Dakota is proudly sponsored by these program partners