On September 26th, the second annual Kappa Sigma games will be held on the SAC fields and the Burger Bowl. This year teams of ten can compete in games of bubble soccer and kickball. Eric Johnston, the President of Kappa Sigma, explains, “This year’s games have expanded to include more of the Georgia Tech community. We’ve even extended the invitation to the faculty as well.”
Sponsored by Coca-Cola and The American Society for Suicide Prevention, the Games allow for a fun event on a Saturday afternoon. While the physical activity happens on the fields, around the field the focus will be to raise awareness for mental health and suicide prevention. Kappa Sigma has coordinated with campus resources for students, like Burdell’s Buddies, Wreckless and the Stamps Psychiatry and Counseling Center, who will provide information about their organizations.
According to Neumann University Statistics, suicide is the second-leading cause of death among 20 to 24-year-olds and 1 in 12 U.S. college students makes a suicide plan. Georgia Tech students are no different, something that has caused a growing discussion on campus about the issue of mental health. Last year, the first annual Kappa Sigma Games commence under the fraternity’s inspiration to raise awareness about the issue of mental health on campus and the resources that are available for those who don’t know where to turn.
For Kappa Sigma, this issue is especially important. Several years ago, one of their brothers committed suicide. The experience of unexpectedly losing a brother left an impact on the their community. Many of the members were left questioning how it could even happen. When discussing philanthropy events the next year, the issue of mental health was of top priority. The goal was to raise awareness and fund a fun event on campus for the entire community. The result is the Kappa Sigma Games.
This year’s Games have expanded to include the faculty of the school with Dean John Stein as the honorary commissioner. Johnston says, “The Office of Student Integrity even has a team signed up already.” Imagine Dean Stein playing bubble soccer. Even if Dean Stein isn’t the playing, will be handing out a trophy to the winners of each game.
The goal of this expansion is not only to get the school talking about mental health and suicide prevention, but also to have an inclusive campus event dedicated promoting fun and community. Johnston explains, “The goal is to raise awareness about mental health and suicide prevention. But it is also to create a fun event that hopefully everyone enjoys and create a sense of community.”
Teams of ten can compete in either bubble soccer or kick ball and up to 40 teams can compete. Each team costs $20 to compete. The proceeds of this event will benefit organizations dedicated promoting mental health and suicide prevention, like The American Society of Suicide Prevention. The Kappa Sigma Games will be held on the SAC field and Burger Bowl on September 26th from 9 am- 3 p.m. For more information, go to KappaSigmaGames.com or email [email protected].