Two-time Olympic bronze medalist in taekwondo, Skylar Park, is teaming up with the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) to champion mental health awareness during the 2025 Push-Up Challenge. The initiative encourages Canadians to complete 2,000 push-ups over 18 days, from February 11th to 28th, to promote mental fitness and raise funds for mental health support.
Park’s Passion for Mental Wellness
Park, a vocal advocate for mental health, is bringing her passion and dedication to the CMHA’s Push-Up Challenge. “Mental health is something everyone can relate to,” Park stated. “Whether it’s dealing with stress, anxiety, or challenges that arise in everyday life, prioritizing mental wellness is key.” She aims to inspire more people to get active, learn about mental health, and contribute to positive change.
The 2025 Push-Up Challenge
The Push-Up Challenge is a fitness-based mental health initiative that encourages participants to complete 2,000 push-ups over 18 days. This number represents the approximate number of lives lost to suicide each day worldwide. The event seeks to engage people in mental health awareness through connection, physical activity, and education. Participants can track their progress using a dedicated mobile app, which also provides mental health facts and facilitates fundraising.
How to Participate
Registration for the Push-Up Challenge is free and open to individuals and teams. Participants are encouraged to fundraise for their local CMHA branch. The challenge runs from February 11th to 28th, 2025.
- Register: Sign up as an individual or create/join a team on the Push-Up Challenge website.
- Share: Spread the word and recruit team members.
- Participate: Download the free app to track progress, learn mental health facts, and log daily push-ups.
Alternative Exercises
Recognizing that not everyone can perform push-ups, the challenge encourages participants to substitute with other exercises like sit-ups, squats, or jumping jacks. Participants can also aim for a reduced target of 1,000 push-ups.
Impact of the Challenge
The Push-Up Challenge aims to break down the stigma associated with mental illness and encourage people to seek help when needed. The 2024 Push-Up Challenge saw over 49,000 Canadians participate, completing 44 million push-ups and raising over $2.4 million for CMHA.
Skylar Park: A Champion On and Off the Mat
Skylar Park, born on June 6, 1999, is a celebrated Canadian taekwondo athlete.
Taekwondo Career
Park’s journey in taekwondo began early, earning her black belt at age seven at her family’s taekwondo school in Winnipeg. She achieved a significant breakthrough at the 2016 World Taekwondo Junior Championships in Burnaby, British Columbia, winning gold in the 59kg weight class. Park transitioned to senior-level competition in 2017. Her accomplishments include:
- 2023 Pan American Games: Gold Medal
- 2019 World Taekwondo Championships: Bronze Medal
- 2018 Pan American Taekwondo Championships: Gold Medal (Women’s 57 kg)
- 2024 Summer Olympics: Bronze Medal (Women’s 57 kg Taekwondo)
Family Legacy
Taekwondo is deeply embedded in Park’s family. She is a fourth-generation taekwondo athlete, with her grandfather being a grandmaster and her parents being masters. She trains with her brothers at the family’s taekwondo school.
Mental Fortitude
Park acknowledges the mental aspect of taekwondo, recognizing that believing in herself and avoiding mistakes are crucial for success. She has spoken about the pressure of living up to her family’s legacy.
The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA)
The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) is a nationwide organization that promotes mental health and supports individuals experiencing mental illness. CMHA offers a range of services and programs, including:
- Advocacy: Championing policies and initiatives that support mental health.
- Education: Providing information and resources to increase mental health awareness.
- Support Services: Offering programs and services to individuals and families affected by mental illness.
- Community Programs: Implementing initiatives that promote mental wellness in communities across Canada.
CMHA’s Mission
CMHA’s mission is to promote mental health as a universal right and to support the resilience and recovery of people experiencing mental illness.
CMHA’s Vision
CMHA’s vision is a Canada where mental health is a fundamental right and mental health services are accessible to all.
Mental Health in Canada: The Importance of Awareness and Support
Mental health is an integral part of overall well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. In Canada, mental illness affects a significant portion of the population. Raising awareness and providing support are essential steps toward creating a healthier society.
Key Facts about Mental Health in Canada
- One in five Canadians will experience a mental illness in their lifetime.
- Mental illnesses can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, socioeconomic status, or cultural background.
- Stigma surrounding mental illness can prevent people from seeking help.
- Early intervention and access to appropriate treatment can significantly improve outcomes.
- Mental health is not just the absence of mental illness; it also includes emotional, psychological, and social well-being.
Factors Affecting Mental Health
Many factors can influence mental health, including:
- Genetics: Family history of mental illness can increase risk.
- Environment: Stressful life events, trauma, and social isolation can impact mental health.
- Lifestyle: Diet, exercise, sleep, and substance use can affect mental well-being.
- Social Determinants of Health: Factors such as poverty, discrimination, and lack of access to resources can contribute to mental health challenges.
Addressing Mental Health Challenges
Addressing mental health challenges requires a multifaceted approach involving individuals, communities, and governments. Key strategies include:
- Raising Awareness: Promoting mental health literacy and reducing stigma.
- Improving Access to Care: Ensuring timely and affordable access to mental health services.
- Investing in Research: Advancing our understanding of mental illness and developing more effective treatments.
- Promoting Prevention: Implementing programs and policies that promote mental wellness and prevent mental illness.
- Supporting Recovery: Providing support and resources to help people recover from mental illness and live fulfilling lives.
The partnership between Skylar Park and the Canadian Mental Health Association for the 2025 Push-Up Challenge highlights the importance of addressing mental health and promoting well-being. By participating in the challenge, Canadians can support their own mental fitness and contribute to a more mentally healthy society.
