The Motul MX Nationals is pleased to reveal an all new partnership for the 2017 race season – the series has joined forces with beyondblue, to raise awareness of mental health within motorcycle sport.
Since 2000, the national mental health organisation has been committed to raising awareness of conditions such as depression and anxiety and reducing stigma around mental health issues. Through numerous programs and services, beyondblue supports thousands of Australians affected by depression, anxiety and suicide as well as their families.
beyondblue will have a visible presence at all ten rounds of the Motul MX Nationals in 2017 in a bid to increase understanding of mental health and to raise funds for its support programs in rural, regional and metropolitan areas.
Motul MX Nationals Series Promoter Kevin Williams today shared details of what the newly formed partnership involves for 2017.
“For a long time the MX Nationals has always aimed to align itself with organisations as a way to give back to the community. Usually this has been a round in which we would dedicate to a charity to assist in raising money, but this year we’ve taken our efforts a few steps further and we will be supporting beyondblue for the entire race season in 2017,” Williams shared.
“At all ten rounds of the Motul MX Nationals this year, we will have the team from beyondblue on the ground mixing with our fans and riders in the ‘beyondblue zone’ raising mental health awareness, and we will also be assisting with putting together specific fundraising initiatives throughout the season.
“beyondblue is an organisation that I believe is close to our competitors and their families’ hearts, particularly with our male athletes who are becoming more and more encouraged to speak up about mental health.
“We are very proud to be providing a platform where beyondblue can further spread its positive mental health message, and we look forward to working with the team throughout the entire racing season.”
beyondblue CEO Georgie Harman congratulated Motul MX Nationals on its leadership and proactive approach to raising awareness in the motorcycling community.
“We know that men are among the least likely to reach out for mental health support, for range of reasons – stigma, access to services and the notion that asking for help is a sign of weakness.
“That’s why initiatives like this one – that let people know mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety are common and treatable – are so important.
“beyondblue is proud to partner with Motul MX Nationals and looks forward to supporting its competitors and fans throughout the 2017 series and beyond.”
For more information on the partnership between the Motul MX Nationals and beyondblue, head to www.mxnationals.com.au
Mental health professionals are available 24/7 via the beyondblue Support Service – 1300 22 4636 and www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums for online chat (3PM-12AM AEDT) or email responses (within 24 hours).