Release from 16.10.2024

Alex Petan: More Than Just a Hockey Pro – How a Golf Tournament Raises Awareness for Mental Health

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Mental health and sports are closely intertwined – something Alex Petan, a player for HC Pustertal in the win2day ICE Hockey League, knows well. However, his commitment to mental health goes beyond the ice. Together with his brother Nicolas, Alex organizes the annual “Petan Invitational Charity Golf Tournament” to raise awareness about mental health and gather donations for this important cause. The tournament, which was founded in memory of their late father, Franc Petan, has become a passion project for the two brothers.

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“My brother and I created our golf tournament primarily in celebrating the life of our father, Franc Petan. We have partnered with the Canadian Mental Health Association to raise awareness for mental health in not only adults but youth as well,” Alex explains. The tournament has grown significantly, reaching people well beyond Canada’s borders, bringing together friends, family, and the hockey community. “The feedback and messages that we have gotten are incredible. The support of people from around the world, who aren’t even able to attend the event, has been so encouraging for us as a family to continue to try to make a difference.”

“Everyone will go through ups and downs often"
In addition to the golf tournament, Alex Petan reflects on how mental health plays a role in his day-to-day life as a professional ice hockey player. In the interview, he emphasizes the importance of talking about the highs and lows: “Everyone will go through ups and downs often, and what I have learned most is how to react and come back from something that maybe hasn’t gone so well.” This is especially true in professional sports, where the pressure to perform at a high level constantly can take a toll on mental health. “It is important to find a healthy balance and to be open about your feelings, even when it’s uncomfortable,” he says.

"Show that you have a voice"
Petan also urges his teammates, fans, and clubs to actively engage with the topic of mental health. “Fans and clubs can engage in raising awareness about mental health by donating to charities, talking more about their stories, using social media platforms to share their support, and show that they have a voice.” The win2day ICE Hockey League is also making a strong statement this season with its “Home of Heroes” campaign. The league and its 13 clubs aim to show that true heroes are not only defined by their athletic accomplishments but by their courage to take care of their mental well-being and seek help when needed.

"Together we can make a difference"
Looking ahead, the “Petan Invitational Charity Golf Tournament” has big plans for the future. The brothers are committed to expanding the event to reach even more people and raise more funds for their cause. “We look forward to continuing to grow our tournament to help people as much as we can who are battling with mental health issues. Together we can make a difference,” says Petan. They hope to extend their network, connecting with other athletes, coaches, and organizations to ensure that the tournament continues to grow each year.

"Seeking help is not a weakness"
Petan leaves an encouraging message for all athletes and individuals facing mental health challenges: “Mental illnesses can take many forms, just as physical illnesses do. Mental illnesses are still feared and misunderstood by many people, but the fear will disappear as people learn more about them. If you, or someone you know, has a mental illness, there is good news: all mental illnesses can be treated,. Seeking help is not a weakness” he shares, quoting the Canadian Mental Health Association.Through initiatives like the Petan brothers' charity tournament and the win2day ICE Hockey League’s campaign, awareness around mental health continues to grow, fostering an environment where seeking help is seen as a strength. After all, as the league aptly states: When it comes to mental health, we’re all playing on the same team.

Click here for the website of the Invitational Charity Golf Tournament: https://petaninvitational.wixsite.com/website

Contact points for those affected:

Contact points Austria:

- 112 National emergency number
- 116 123 Ö3-Kummernummer (first point of contact for all people in personal emergencies)
- 142 Telephone counseling.
- 147 Rat auf Draht - advice for children and young people.

Contact points Italy:

- 112 National emergency number
- 02 2327 2327 Telefono AMICO Italia
- 0800 86 00 22 Samaritans - ONLUS
- 800 274 274 nummero verde (da cellulare 0229007166)

Contact points Hungary:

- 112 National emergency number
- 116 123 LESZ - Magyar Lelki Elsősegély Telefonszolgálatok Szövetsége
- 116 111 Blue Line - Anonim gyermekkrízis segélyvonal

Contact points Slovenia:

- 112 National emergency number
- 116 123 Zaupni telefon Samarijan
- 116 111 TOM - telefon za otroke in mladostnike
- (01) 520 99 00 Klic v duševni stisk