Fighting Against Suicide: UGA Greek Community Unites for Mental Health Awareness

UGA Greeks unite in fight against suicide

Fighting Against Suicide: UGA Greek Community Unites for Mental Health – A Call for Time to Unite

Fighting Against Suicide

On a Friday night, The Classic Center’s Atkins Ford Arena became the epicenter of a powerful movement as the University of Georgia (UGA) Greek community gathered for the “Fight Against Suicide” boxing event. With over 1,700 attendees donned in suits, tuxedos, and the occasional cowboy hat, the evening aimed to transcend the boundaries of a typical boxing match, focusing on a cause much larger – mental health awareness and the fight against suicide.

Organized by UGA’s Sigma Chi Greek Community in collaboration with the Samuel L. Asbury Foundation, the event held a profound purpose. It sought not only to honor a friend, son, and brother lost to suicide but also to address a critical gap in men’s mental health awareness.

David Edmiston, one of the event’s organizers, emphasized the importance of the cause, stating, “There was an empty space when it came to men’s mental health. This is the moment we wanted to start filling that void. It’s more about this crowd here than any amount of money.”

The evening commenced with a prayer, setting the tone for a night that extended beyond the boxing ring. Grace Asbury’s heartfelt rendition of the national anthem resonated through the arena, stirring emotions and laying the foundation for an impactful night.

The main event featured 26 fighters representing various UGA fraternities, with 13 of them proudly representing the Sigma Chi fraternity. The three intense two-minute rounds showcased not just physical prowess but a collective determination to combat the silent epidemic of depression and anxiety that often goes unnoticed.

Doug Thurmond, the father of one of the boxers, expressed pride in his son’s participation, saying, “He’s won four times, placed in state wrestling, but I didn’t know how he’d do in boxing. But he’s pretty tough.”

UGA Greeks Fight in the Ring for Suicide Awareness

Beyond the thrilling matches, the night featured a raffle, T-shirt sales, and a VIP section with a bar, all contributing to the funds raised for mental health support. The crowd’s cheers echoed in the arena, emphasizing that “Fight Against Suicide” was more than just a boxing event. It was a movement of unity, hope, and the unwavering belief that together, they could make a difference.

As the bouts progressed, it was evident that the UGA Greek community was not just boxing for a cause but fighting against the stigmatization of mental health. The event concluded, but the echoes of unity, resilience, and the commitment to mental health support lingered beyond the arena walls.

The “Fight Against Suicide” event at the University of Georgia showcased the power of unity and purpose. Beyond the adrenaline-pumping action in the ring, it symbolized a collective commitment to addressing the gaps in mental health awareness. The UGA Greek community delivered a clear message: “It is ok to say you are not ok.” As the echoes of this impactful event reverberate through the campus and beyond, it serves as an inspiration for others to join the movement against suicide and mental health stigmatization. In the fight for time to unite, they have created a space where strength, compassion, and understanding prevail.

Sources: