ACK Mental, year 2, will be a re-imagined event in this time of Covid-19. We’re going remote! But the spirit of the event is unchanged. That’s why we want all users of the Backus Lane skatepark—or a skatepark off island—to send in video clips!

What is ACK Mental? It is a community event to raise awareness about issues like underage drinking and substance misuse and break the stigmas surrounding both mental health and skateboarding. Skateboarding is for people of all ages, genders, economic status, and ethnic backgrounds. Mental illness and addiction don’t discriminate either, yet stigma clings to both.

We celebrate the way that skateboarding connects people in healthy ways, through the sheer joy of sharing a sport, a space, and a mindset of perseverance and grit.

Whoever you are, in whatever way you enjoy the park, whatever your age—we want to include you in our Instagram event on October 10, at 10 a.m. Check out our 40 second promo video here!

Use this link to upload your video clips by October 1 and share this email with anyone who needs to see it! (If the link does not work, try another browser OR try on your phone!)

If you can support this event with a donation we would be most grateful. Sponsorship levels are listed below but any help goes a long way towards covering our costs. You can donate using this link.

(Please reach out to Vanessa at Fairwinds if you have any questions: vpark@fairwindscenter.org)