CASPER, WY — A groundbreaking community event is coming to the Casper Soccer Complex this summer — and it’s more than just a game. The LaCROSSe Out Violence & Suicide youth tournament and resource fair will take place on Saturday, Aug. 9, bringing together local organizations, community members and mental health advocates to promote youth resilience, mental wellness and connection through sport.
“Sports experiences are critical learning vehicles for our youths, in this case, helping them use physical fitness to understand caring for their mental and emotional fitness,” said Kent Corso, suicidologist and founder of PROSPER Together. “It is exciting to educate youths and help them add a few tools to their toolbox so they can more easily tackle life’s challenges.”
This high-impact event is developed in partnership by the Central Wyoming Counseling Center (CWCC), Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming, Casper-Natrona County Health Department, USA Lacrosse, PROSPER Together and the Natrona Collective Health Trust.
The community is invited to attend and participate in the Saturday tournament, which features:
- A free lacrosse tournament (open to youth from third grade to 12th grade, including those NOT enrolled in summer camps)
- Special guest speaker Erin Switzer – U.S. Marine Corps veteran, elite special operator, and served as the actor and model used to develop the character “Ghost” who was featured in “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare”
- Free lunch for all participants and guests
- Local vendor booths and organizations offering mental health education, wellness resources and youth-focused services
“At the Boys & Girls Club, we believe in building resilient futures,” said Ashley Bright, CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming. “The ‘LaCROSSe Out Violence’ clinic and games empower young people with the tools to strengthen both body and mind. Through teamwork, fun, movement, meaningful conversations and messages, we’re helping youth grow into confident leaders in life.”
“At CWCC, we’re committed to meeting youth where they are — whether that’s in a therapy session, on the field, or in the community,” said Jim Cowser, CEO of Central Wyoming Counseling Center. “LaCROSSe Out Violence is our way of saying we see you, we support you, and we believe in your future.”
At the heart of Saturday’s gathering is Erin Switzer, a 25-year veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and Border Patrol’s elite BORTAC unit. A sniper, master breacher and real-life special operator, Switzer has seen firsthand the toll mental health struggles take — even on the toughest warriors. Now, he travels the country speaking to youth and young adults about mental wellness, stigma, self-care and resilience.
“Mental health is a topic that is very near and dear to my heart,” Switzer said. “Over the past 25 years in Special Operations I have seen firsthand the challenges of mental health and I’m very passionate about finding creative ways to show others some outlets.”
Switzer is also widely recognized in pop culture as the inspiration for “Ghost” in “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare” and for his role in Amazon’s hit series “The Terminal List.”
“Mental health is a vital part of whole health, and this project reflects the power of community in making that message a reality,” said Anna Kinder, director of the Casper-Natrona County Health Department. “Let’s give the community the tools they need to support each other.”
The incorporation of mental health agility skills into a lacrosse program was logical association, as the sport of lacrosse has been used in indigenous populations to heal communities and assist in resolving disputes. The sport allows any youth to participate and contribute with varied skills, strengths and size.
USA Lacrosse, the governing body of lacrosse in the country, was eager to join in this initiative. “USA Lacrosse and the Gordon Corsetti Mental Agility Foundation are thrilled to be part of this incredible event which will center around mental health and exposing young people to the game of lacrosse,” said Lou Corsetti, regional director for USA Lacrosse.
Vendor and resource booths are available for community partners who wish to connect with Casper families and promote their services. Booth registration is free and includes table space, signage and lunch.
Youth registration is taking place through dedicated summer camps, but for those interested in participating who are not part of those summer camps, the community is encouraged to register here: app.teamlinkt.com/register/find/boysandgirlsclubofcentralwyoming?cid=52082.
Community organizations who would like to have a vendor booth on Saturday, Aug. 9 are encouraged to contact Kendall Hickman with CWCC — khickman@cwcc.com.
Let’s build a stronger, more connected, and more resilient Casper — one game, one conversation and one young life at a time.
For media inquiries or more information, contact:
Kendall Hickman
Business Development, CWCC
khickman@cwcc.us
307-251-7665
PAID FOR BY CENTRAL WYOMING COUNSELING CENTER
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