LifeLink, an organization dedicated to supporting youth, is launching new mental health and academic services for student athletes at Wintarian Athletics in Howard County. Starting this Saturday, the program will provide a range of resources designed to support both the emotional and educational needs of young athletes.
Carl Henson, CEO of LifeLink, emphasized the importance of holistic development for children involved in sports. ‘While excelling on the court is important, we aim to nurture the overall well-being of each child,’ he stated.
The initiative will feature in-house therapists and academic tutors available on-site. Students will receive personalized tutoring, Spanish lessons, and the opportunity to participate in summer camps. An after-school program will also be available, allowing students to complete their homework before attending therapy sessions focused on developing coping skills like anger management and stress reduction.
Feedback from the young athletes has been overwhelmingly positive. Nine-year-old Khalief James shared his enthusiasm about the training and activities. ‘We get a lot of training, and it’s fun when we have basketball games at the end to show off our skills,’ he said. His friend, Levi Hebron, expressed eagerness about the new game room, stating, ‘I’ll be here all night and won’t leave until I’m 25 years old.’
To celebrate the launch, LifeLink will host a grand opening event at Wintarian Athletics this Saturday from 11 AM to 4 PM. The event will include food, music, games, and more, welcoming the community to learn more about these valuable services.
LifeLink’s approach aims to create a supportive environment where student athletes can thrive both academically and emotionally, ensuring they are well-equipped for the challenges they face on and off the court.
